Appel’s - Appel’s Menswear. Founded by Louis Appel, addresses given first at 440 W. Market and by 1928 at 407 - 411 S. 4th even later at 425 - 27 S. 4th St. Louis died in 1936 and his sons Louis, Joseph, W.G. and Sidney Appel carried on the business. They were listed in Caron’s 1928 Directory of Louisville as haberdashers, clothiers, and hatters with women’s hosiery, shoes and novelties. They had 4 floors on 4th St. and added women’s sportswear in 1929.  Appel’s closed in 1967.

Bacon’s - Founded in 1845 by Jeremiah Bacon as J. Bacon’s and Sons, Bacon’s became a midlevel full line department store. They were purchased by Mercantile in 1914. Their advertising claimed: “J. Bacon & Sons “Where Quality Cost Less”. Bacon’s occupied the Market St. location on the south side between 3rd and 4th at 330 - 334 from 1901 to 1972. In the 1920s, the president and general manger was A. H. Morris and an additional Bacon’s location was located at 213 - 217 S. 4th.  A 1949 a woven chambray dress ran $4.99 in the  Cotton Shop on the balcony. In 1951, J. Bacon and Sons built a $1 million free standing department store on Shelbyville Rd. as their first major venture outside of downtown. Bacon’s was the first large suburban department store in the area. They found they had to upgrade their merchandise to appeal to the East End suburban shopper. Bacon's eventually had at least 7 stores in the Louisville and Jefferson County area, including one at the 4th St. Galleria. Bacon's was bought out by Dillard’s in 1998.

Baynham’s Inc. Shoe Store- Located at 22 S. 4th . In 1951, on 4th bewteen Chestnut and Broadway. Banyham's closed in June, 1962.

Ben Snyder Dept. Store - 522 W. Market . In 1928: Ben Snyder was President and B.H. Shapero was Secretary. Ben Snyder was born in Russia in 1887, and immigrated to USA in 1891. After coming of age, he worked elsewhere in the South and returned to Louisville in 1907 when he went into business with his father, Marcus Snyder. He branched out on his own after several years. In 1916 he was located at 906 W. Market. Snyder moved the business to 522 W. Market in 1919 when he filled half the building, by 1920 he had taken over the entire building.

Besten and Langan Co. -  A ladies garments specialist located as of 1928 at 518-520 S. 4th St. In 1926 the President was Henry Besten, a native of Germany and naturalized citizen who immigrated to the USA in 1882 at the age of 20. Emil Besten was Vice President. from a late 1940s coat courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

The Bon Ton - ( also the Bon Ton Cloak and Suit Co.) at 322 S. 4th St (4thand NW corner of Liberty) from 1916 - 1961. Founder and president was Joseph H. Greenstein. Located in the Marion E. Taylor Building, The Bon Ton carried women’s sportswear. Greenstein died in January of 1935. His widow Sara W. Greenstein ran the business as owner and operator for 26 more years. Note: Greem St. was renamed Liberty St. in 1918. a Bon Ton Hat box, ca 1940 - 1950

Byck Bros. & Co. ( Byck's)- A very high end ladies clothing store in Louisville, Ky that was often described as fashion forward and presented trunk shows of current designers. And Bycks was also ahead of the times in beign one of the first downtown stores to have integrated dressing rooms. In the segrated South, Afican-American customers had to purchase without trying clothes on.Byck's got its start when Louis & Werner Byck opened a shoe store at 416 4th St. in 1902. First they moved to 338 S. 4th then by 1910 to 434-38 S. 4th. And advertised as Byck’s Shoes in 1912. In 1924 , Byck’s moved to 532 - 534 S. 4th , an Art Deco building ( still standing 2006). In 1925 Byck’s began selling quality women’s clothing as well as shoes and hosiery. In 1928, Werner S. Byck of Atlanta, Georgia was President and Dann C. Byck, Sr. was VP. Dann C. Byck became president in 1923. In December of 1946, Byck’s expanded to a store at 3738 Lexington Rd. in St. Matthews. When Dan Byck, Sr. died in 1960, his wife Mary Helen Byck took the reins. Through the 1970s and 1980s Byck’s expanded to suburban malls, to Oxmoor Mall in 1971 and Bashford Manor in 1974. In 1982 the 4th St. store moved to the Louisville Galleria. They opened a store in Lexington, KY at the Fayette Mall as well. This closed in 1988. In Jan, 1991 Byck’s closed Bashford Manor and on July 23, 1991 they closed all remaining stores. Mary Helen Byck died one day later. from a pair of late 1940s shoes a pre 1946 label used in a custom 1956 hat  early 1950s label a 1950s Byck's Hat Box   The St. Matthew's & downtown stores shown on a 1956 hat box from a late 1950s jacket, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  from a 1960s - early 1970s mailing card, courtsey As Time Goes By   post 1971 label from a 1970s coat   from a 1980s blazer, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Crutcher & Starks - 656 S 4th. from www.rodes.com “About 1890, two brothers, John Price and Isaac Starks opened a fine men's clothing store named Crutcher & Starks at the corner of Fourth & Jefferson Streets in downtown Louisville. Nearly twenty years later, (1910) John Price and Isaac Starks sold Crutcher & Starks, which had become the top men's fine clothing store in the city of Louisville.” In 1919, Crutcher and Starks were still on Jefferson with at least 6 delivery trucks and this marquee sign: “ The Store of Standardized Values Crutcher & Starks 4th and Jefferson, Granville R. Burton & Sons”. Granville R. Burton was President in 1928, with Ferrell Burton VP. They sold men’s clothing, furnishings , hats and caps in the Seelbach Hotel Bldg.

Davidson’s - a 1947 photo shows Davidson's at 4th and Guthrie, north of Stewart's and the Seelbach Hotel. Davidson's also had a location in The Mall St. Matthews. Hat box pre 1962, courtsey of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  Hat box post 1962, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Du Rand: A downtown Louisville ladies shop, carried hats.     From a 1950s newspaper ad, and a 1940s hat, both courtesy As Time Goes By

Fleischer’s - Founded by Joseph Fleischer, this Louisville, KY and Syracuse, NY based ladies clothing store opened in the 1930s at 529 S. 4th St, later moving to moved to 521 S. 4th St. The Louisville store expanded in 1960. They had two additional locations in Louisville at Dixie Manor Shopping Center and The Mall St Matthews. The owner was Joseph Fleischer’s Co of Syracuse, NY.     from a 1940s gabardine suit from a late 1940s evening coat courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

H.P. Selman& Co. ( Selman's) : a high end, one might say exclusive, ladies and children’s apparel and accessories in Louisville, Ky. They also had a fur salon. Founded in 1904 at NW corner of Walnut and 4thSt as Gutman’s, a local shoe store, it changed ownership in 1915 and was bought and renamed by Homer P. Selman. In 1928, Caron’s Louisville Directory listed H.P. Selman’s as a women’s outfitters with H. G. Lewis as general manager and F. W. Jutz as credit manager. In 1929, control passed to out of town investors. In 1941, they advertised that Mackey Chenoweth was their Bridal Counselor in the Bride’s Shop, second floor. As a sample of their prices, in 1949, Selman's chambray and bemberg summer dresses were advertised at $14.99, when Bacon's was advertisng similar but simpler dresses at $4.99. Selman's also had a Design Studio for custom made hats. In 1953, H.P. Selman’s, then owned by Grier Corp., was bought by Thal Bros. Selman’s was sold in 1961 for $1million to Weiss Bros aka Gus Mayer’s ( Weiss bought Gus Mayers in 1934) and used both H.P. Selman’s and Selman’s labels. The Selman's label is in use by 1949. Weiss didn’t change the Selman’s name to Gus Mayer’s until 1970. Selman’s never opened a suburban location. from a 1933-35 Evening Coat   from a 1941 newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By from a 1940s Coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  from a 1949 newspaper ad, courtesy As Time goes By   from a 1950s Fur Jacket, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a 1950s hat, courtesy As Time Goes By   from a Selman's  hat box, courtsey As Time Goes By   from an early 1960s wool coat       1949  newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By   1941 newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By

The Hat Box-  A St. Matthews, Ky. Millinery shop active from 1939 - 1983 at 323 Wallace Ave.  The founder was Rose Schneider, and the longtime manager was Pearl Sills. The Hat Box became Whitney’s Hat Box in 1983 , then Whitney’s.   a 1950s box from The Hat Box from a 1960s Hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Hytken’s - St. Mattew's, Ky. 1952 - 1998. Hytken’s was a exclusive boutique ladies apparel shop with a devoted clientele. Hytken’s advertised in Vogue and Harpers Bazaar and presented a full season of trunk shows including Bill Blass Couture,Albert Capraro, St. John Knits, Geoffrey Beene, Count Romi, Halston, Hanae Mori, Alper Schwartz, Albert Nipon, Adele Simpson, Albert Nipon, Helga, Michael Novarese, William Pearson, Rodier of Paris, Adele Simpson, St. John, Mary McFadden, Michele Volbracht and Louis Feraud from a 1950s Hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a 1960s Coat, courtsey Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  1960 Hytken's ad courtsey of As Time Goes By 1983 Fall Showings, courtey Shelia Hytken Bialkin

Jefferson Dry Goods - at 237 S. 4th St. ( NE corner of Jefferson) from 1845 to 1960. In 1928 - Meyer Mittenhal was President and F.H. Voelz was the manager.

Jenny Lind: 1915 - 1958. 1928 Carons: The Jenny Lind at #402 638 S. 4th St. Dressmakers. Jane L. Lindenbarger and Edith N. Menifee. Founder Mrs. Edith Norton Menifee. Bought in 1958 by Mrs. William Moore.

Kaufman-Straus - a Louisville, Ky department store carrying women’s clothing, furs, linens and menswear founded in by Henry Kaufman in 1879 on Jefferson between 7th and 8th. In 1883 Benjamin Straus became a partner and the named changed to Kaufman-Straus Dry Goods. In 1887, Kaufman -Straus moved. To 4th. By 1891, they were on the east side of 4th south of Liberty in a building designed by Henry Wolters. Their six story Downtown location at 427 - 437 S. 4th St. was built in 1903 by local Louisville Architect Mason Maury, which they occupied until 1971. Kaufman-Straus was a member of the City Stores Buying Group , which bought Kaufman -Straus in 1924. In 1925, they completed an extensive interior renovation. As of 1928, the officers were P/ J. Sullivan , John Hill, and John H. Sullivan. In addition to clothing, they also sold dry goods, carpets, cloaks, millinery, and furniture. The names Kaufman’s and Kaufman-Straus were used simultaneously in the 1950s. In 1960, when Kaufman-Straus became Kaufman’s. They opened an anchor store in The Mall St. Matthews called Kaufman’s of Kentucky in 1962. In December of 1969, Kaufman’s was sold to Ayres and the name changed yet again. The 4th St. building is now part of 4th St. Live. The heyday for Kaufman’s was the 1950s when they were considered one of the city’s finest stores.   an early label from an unknown garment from an early 1960s coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   post 1962 hat box, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Kleinman’s NY Furriers - at 618 S. 4th St since 1918. Carons 1928 Directory lists George Kleinman as a salesman at NY Furriers and Hyman Kleinman, Manager NY Furriers. They were near the Loews Theatre, now the Palace Theatre. Shown in 1937 photos, Kleinman's is listed in 1951 as on 4th between Chestnut and Broadway. They moved August 6, 1962 to Chestnut St. Kleinman's is now in the Forum Center on Hurstbourne Pkwy. They were and still are retail furriers as well as makers of Kleinman’s Living Shoes, a line of custom made orthopedic shoes for men, women and children.

Levy Bros. - A well loved department carrying a full line of men’s and women’s wear including hats, caps, shoes, furnishings, and even a men’s and children‘s barber shop. Henry and Moses Levy started as immigrant German peddlers. The brothers opened their store in 1861 at NE corner of 3rd St. and Market . The landmark Levy Bros. Bldg., completed in 1893, was well known for the ca. 1908 electric lights outlining the exterior, leading to a local phrase “ Lit up like Levy’s”. A 1910 letter to a customer indicated they carried a full line of men's golf and tennis wear including shoes. The same letterhead lists men's, ladies and children's shoes, mens and boys clothing and hats. By the late 1920s, the company was run by Fred, Arnold, Stuart H., James H. and Frederick Levy with S.L. Greenebaum. In 1955 they opened a store in the Shelbyville Rd Plaza. The Levy family closed the Third and Market store on Oct. 10,1980. The Shelbyville Road Plaza, Bashford Manor Mall and Dixie Manor stores were sold in September 1979. The last store closed 1987. The last family president was Henry Levy. The downtown building, now on the National Register, still stands, housing a restaurant and loft apts. They carried Hart Schaffner Marx, Manhattan Shirts, Fashion Park Clothes, and Military Uniforms. Levy Bros. Letterhead from 1910 with Landmark store from a 1900 - 1910 Men's Bow Tie from a 1900 - 1910 Men's Formal Vest   from a 1940s - 1950s gift box, courtsey of As Time Goes By

Loevenhardt & Co. at SE corner of Market and Third. As of 1928, they sold men’s and boys clothing, furnishings, hats , caps and shoes. Company officers were Jesse M., Percy J., and Edgar C. Loevenhardt. Both Edgar and Jesse lived at the Brown Hotel   from a 1950 Dinner Jacket, courtesy As Time Goes By

Long and Evans - in 1928: P.A. Evans and O.C. Kendall, merchant tailors at 302 Speed Bldg. off 4th St. label from a 1947 tuxedo

Martin’s: Menswear 1929 - 1997. Founded by Charles and Ruth Martin. Originally the Brown Hotel Men’s Shop. They moved to the Commonwealth Building at 684 S. 4th St. in 1936. Martin’s closed their downtown store in 1977 and did business at Oxmoor Mall from 1971 - 1992. From 1992 Martin’s operated at the Forum on Hurstbourne Lane, which closed in January of 1997. Martin’s Master Tailor was Salvatori "Sam" DiGiovanni, a native of Sicily, marked his 33rd year with the company in October of 1997.

George Moore: A shop located on 4th St., 2 doors down from Bycks' and next to McCrory's  in the old Prince Wells building( still standign) . This label from a Zelinka-Matlink suit. from a 1950s ladies suit.

Moseson and King: 433 Walnut ( now Muhammad Ali Blvd.) A menswear store in operation from 1919 - 1982 and founded by Harry R. Moseson and Arthur A. King. Mr. King sold out after 1928. Louis Moseson joined in 1947, then he sold out to Paul Eitel 1978. They carried  J. Schoeneman's suits, sport jackets and slacks under the Doncaster label as well as Arrow and Enro shirts, Zero King outerwear, Interwoven socks, Beau Brummel neckwear and Stetson and Disney hats. Moseson and King did a large business in hats, and was one of the first stores in downtown Louisville where black and white customers tried on hats along side each other.   Moseson and King Logo, courtesy Louis Moseson

Rodes-Rapier: A fine men’s clothing store located originally in the Starks Bldg on 4th St in Louisville Ky. Founded in 1914 by John Price Starks, William Rapier and John Starks Rodes as the Starks Company, they had to change the name to Rodes-Rapier due to legal complications due to the existing business Crutcher & Starks, a top men’s quality clothing store founded by Issac and John Price Starks in the 1890s. In 1928, W. Read Embry was president ( sine 1914) W.H. Rapier was 1st VP, Joseph B Rodes 2nd VP, F.F. Starks Secretary and John S. Rodes Treasurer. Rodes occupied 2 floors downtown in the Starks Building , with an extensive choice of men’s business, sport and dress attire. The name was changed on store advertising to Rodes on the retirement of William Rapier. Local ownership continued until 1983. Rodes added women’s wear by the 1990s Rodes has continued to provide top quality men’s and later women’s wear with high levels of service ever since. Additional Rodes locations included Oxmoor Mall in St. Matthews which closed in 2003 and in TN and IN. The main location moved in 2003 from 4th St to Brownsboro Rd. in Louisville. Rodes also owned Schupp and Snyder, another Louisville menswear store. They were known for bank and insurance clientele. Carried: among others: Hickey-Freeman, Hart Schaffner & Marx, Burberrys. For more information see: www.rodes.com from a 1933 - 35 Tuxedo     from a 1960s Tuxedo

Schenley's Inc. (later Shenley-Gordon)  at 514 S. 4th Ave. A milliner’s and ladies hat shop from the at least 1919 into the 1960s. They carried the New York Creations line as well as Dobbs 5th Ave. In the 1950s and 1960s they advertised Ruth Gallin Exclusives and even featured her photo on their hatboxes.     from a late 1940s hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   from a 1960s hat box, courtesy As Time Goes By

Stewart Dry Goods ( Stewart's)  - Founded in 1846 on Market St. as Durkee & Heath’s New York Store, the name was changed to Stewart’s Dry Goods in the late 1800s. Subsequent locations were 4th and Jefferson in 1853, and finally the flagship store was opened April 1907 at 501 S. 4th at the SE corner of Walnut (now Muhammad Ali Blvd ) by Louis Stewart. Stewart’s was a full line, high end department store known for both the Orchid Room and the Luncheonette dining facilities. A downtown landmark, the main store had seven stories plus basement of retail shopping, containing 64 departments with everything from custom services, to custom dress fabric ( yardage came with a Stewart’s label to put in the garment) to a needlework instructor, linens imported from Ireland and mens sweaters made in Italy.  In 1928, W. J. Weiser was President and W. B. Pirtle, W.W. Wilhoit and W.R. Fineger were VPs. By 1931, Stewart’s was owned by the Division of Associated Dry Goods Corp. They opened a branch in the Mall St Matthews in 1966 and a store in Oxmoor Mall on August 5, 1971. There are labels with “Stewart’s of Kentucky”. Stewart’s merged with L.S. Ayres in Nov 1, 1985. At that time there were 7 stores: 4 in Louisville, 2 in Lexington, 1 in Evansville, IN. Stewart’s dominated Louisville Retail Trade for years. In June 1987 - Ayres was sold to Snyder’s, then in Oct 1987, Hess’s bought Snyder’s. In April of 1990, Hess’s closed the 4th St flagship store abruptly and never reopened. The building is now a Hilliard Lyons Brokerage. Lines: Davidow, Adrian   early Stewart's Hat Box, possibly Teens. from an early glove box, courtsey of As Time goes By   Stewart's Label - from a 1948 - 1952 Suit   from a 1950s Coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire     from a ca 1953 Ladies Suit, and in use into the 1960s   Three linens labels, courtesy of As Time Goes By   Stewart's shipping label, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   Stewart's Gift Box courtesy of As Time Goes By

Walsh the Tailor - 110 S. 4th St. In 1928, A.W. Fryell listed as president and E.W. Zang as secretary.   label from a custom 1910 Cutaway

Wearbest Clothing Co. -  302 W. Market. In 1928, the owner was Herman Hindel. from a 1940s Tuxedo, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Younger’s Furriers: ( Younger Reliable Furriers) founded 1911. In 1928 , at 637 S. 4th between Chestnut and Broadway as of 1951. In the 1928 City Directory, Jacob Younger was the owner and Harry Yudofsky,the furrier. from a 1950s fur coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Yudofsky Furriers: 1933 -1973 in Heyburn Bldg. Yudofsky’s has a location in Oxmoor by the early 70s. Downtown they moved to the Starks Bldg in the mid 1970s. Founder Joseph Yudofsky was the master furrier . After his death in 1988, ownership passed to his wife Dorothy and now has passed to their daughter Joy. In 2006 Yudofsky’s moved the Oxmoor store to Holiday Manor. For more information:  www.yfur.com/History/history.html  from a early 1950 Fur Stole, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  from a 1950s Fur coat,courtesy Elizabeths' Timeless Attire a Yudofsky's Hat Box, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Sources: for Hytken's entry: Sheila Hytken Bialkin, for the Schenley -Gordon entry: Carol Vowels, for Moseson and King: Louis Moseson and Carol Moseson Savkovich, 200 Years at the Falls of the Ohio, Business First - 1997 article by Terry Boyd, Courier-Journal and Times newspaper clippings courtesy of the Louisville Free Public Library, www.gusmayer’s.com,  Historic Photos of Louisville, The Louisville Encyclopedia,  Louisville Since the Twenties, Louisville Then and Now, www.rodes.com, www.yfur.com , many labels courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire and As Time Goes By both in Louisville, KY,  Caron's Louisville Directory 1928, Who's Who in Louisville 1926 by W.T. Owens, Business and Professional Directory of Louisville, Ky. New Albany and Jeffersonville, Ind. 1916