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Hutzler Brothers Company 1784-1977, MS. 2691
Descriptive Summary
Hutzler Brothers Company, 1784-1977
MS. 2691
Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore MD 21201-4674
by
Donna Ellis
July 1987
Introduction
Hutzler Brothers Company, one of Baltimore's major retail stores, was founded in 1858 by Abram G. Hutzler, son of German-Jewish immigrants when he took over a small shop operated by his brother-in-law, Elkan Bamberger. Because he was too young to secure credit in his own name, Abram Hutzler opened the store under his father's name, M[oses] Hutzler & Son, however Moses was never connected with the business. The original store dealt mainly in laces, fine fabrics and fancy goods, the majority of which were imported from Europe.
In 1867, Abram Hutzler took his two brothers, Charles G. and David into the business with him. Until 1888 Abram and Charles ran a wholesale business, leaving David to manage the retail store. After closing the wholesale business, all three brothers concentrated on developing the retail store.
Beginning in 1901 with Louis S. Hutzler, the second generation of Hutzlers began coming into the business. Louis was followed by Albert David, Sr. in 1910 and Charles G. II in 1926. The firm was incorporated in 1908 under the name Hutzler Brothers Co. of Baltimore City, later shortened to Hutzler Brothers Co. This period was marked by strained relations and low morale among the officers and executives primarily due to overlapping job responsibilities and lack of organization. During the 1920's a major reorganization of management, equipment and policies took place which transformed the store into a modern retail business.
Abram Hutzler's original store was located on the corner of Howard and Clay Streets. The building expanded as success increased the store's business. The famous;palace building was completed in 1888 and property along Howard Street between Saratoga and Mulberry Streets continued to be acquired and developed. In 1952 Hutzler's first branch store was opened in Towson, Md. The 1950's and 1960's saw the development of suburban shopping malls. Hutzler's first mall store
opened in 1956 at the Eastpoint Shopping Center and was followed by many other mall-located branches.
Hutzler Brothers Co. is known for a number of innovations in the retail business. As early as 1868 Hutzler's established the now standard one-price system of pricing merchandise. Most retailers practiced a bargaining method where the more aggressive and persistent customer got the better price. Customers slowly came to realize that one price for everyone was a fairer way of doing business.
Hutzler's was a leader in pursuing new advertising methods and in refunding money to customers dissatisfied with the merchandise. They established the first bargain counter during the Civil War when Baltimore was under martial law and business was sluggish. They also had the first fleet of delivery trucks in Maryland. An electric truck purchased in the early twentieth century was quickly replaced by the more reliable gasoline engine trucks. Further details on the history and development of the store can be found in the section ;Officers and Executives--Store History
Scope and Content Notes
For a number of years, Hutzler Brothers Company maintained its own archives and developed a filing code, a copy of which is included in this register. Primarily for the safekeeping of memorabilia and items of general historical interest, the archives lacked provisions for legal and financial records. The original system has been maintained, as far as possible, with the addition of a few new subgroups.
The Hutzler Brothers Company Papers is divided into eleven series: Family, Officers and Executives, Employees, Legal Records, Property, Openings/Anniversaries/Expansions, Advertising, Baltimore-A Picture History, World War II, Financial Records, and Scrapbooks.
The Family series contains biographical data on the men who have been involved in the business from Abram G. Hutzler to Charles G. Hutzler, Jr. Although there is some material pertaining to connections with the business,most of the material in the Family series is personal in nature. The first few folders contain genealogical information tracing the family back to the parents of Moses and Caroline Hutzler in Hagenbach, Germany. Of particular interest is Abram G. Hutzler's account book for Pomona his estate in Pikesville, Md. The book records expenses for farm stock and implements, construction and landscaping, furniture, taxes, utilities, and labor between 1915 and 1927.
The Officers and Executives series contains three folders of general correspondence on such subjects as customer relations, merchandise, donations to the Hutzler archives, and contributions of the company to various charities. Of particular note: a letter from Gov. Wm. Preston Lane, Sr. regarding Hutzler's gift of a model of the Ark and the Dove to the State of Maryland, 29 Sept. 1950; a letter from Ogden Nash, 27 Feb. 1957; and letters to and from Edward S. Delaplaine (Nov. 1960) and L.D. Engelbrecht (Jan. 1968) regarding Moses Hutzler's business ventures in Baltimore and Frederick, Md.
The Officers and Executives series also includes the President's Reports for the years 1911-1917 which reflect some of the conflict among the officers during that period. The series contains various reports, from both internal and external sources, regarding sales statistics, space planning, installation of a computer system and customer relations services. This series also documents Hutzler's involvement in various retail and management associations.
The Employees series contains information on a scattering of individuals such as J. Frank Haynie, Superintendent, employed between 1875 and 1930; Michael P. Shiel, divisional merchandise manager, employed between 1919 and 1933; and John F. Wilhelm, merchandise manager, whose Customer Record Book takes note of the size and physical features of his customers. Trends and changes in staff policies can be traced through the general rule books (1926-1955) and inter-office memos (1931-1973). Also in this series are training manuals for drivers, display personnel, copywriters, sales clerks, cashiers, and A.D. Hutzler, Jr.'s secretary. The display vouchers (1976-1977) list all items from various departments that were used in promotional displays. The merchandise transfer books (1970-1975) record items that were transferred from one branch to another. Oversize folders contain management organizational charts from 1921-1958.
The Legal Records series contains the company's legal documents such as a partnership agreement (1868) with Daniel Lowenthal, licenses (1890-1907) to operate one- and two-horse carts, and contracts with various utilities, cash carrier companies, credit bureaus and a rat exterminator (1902). A hold harmless agreement documents a shoplifting incident in 1896.
The Property series contains papers relating to expenses and contracts involving Hutzler's physical structures. An original lease agreement (1784) (located in an oversize folder) describes the lot on Saratoga and Howard Streets where the Hutzler downtown complex would later be located. Another lot on Eutaw and Saratoga Streets is described in a 1786 deed transcribed from an original in the Maryland State Archives. A series of notes from ca. 1885 show cost estimates for opening a new building including merchandise, staff salaries and taxes. Correspondence and reports (1959-1967) from several organizations such as Committee for Downtown Inc., Lexington Street Association and the Retail Merchants Association show the planning and development of the Lexington Street Mall.
The Opening/Anniversaries/Expansions series is one of the original subgroups of the Hutzler archives. The only opening documented is that of the store at Southdale Shopping Center. The expansions category is represented by a notice introducing the electric welding technique in construction activity in 1931. Most of the material in this series relates to promotions of the store's anniversaries.
The Advertising series contains samples of calendars and souvenirs used to promote Hutzler's merchandise. More examples of this type may be found in the Prints and Photographs Division. Advertising circulars (1918-1973) are annotated with the quantity and cost of mailing, sometimes indicating the targeted customer group such as active charge accounts and mens cash customers. Newspaper advertisements (1929-1930) have been preserved in a small scrapbook.
The Baltimore-A Picture History series relates to the production and publicity for the souvenir book Hutzler's published in 1958 to commemorate their centennial year of business. It was revised and reprinted in 1968.
The World War II series is another section from the original Hutzler archives. Included are scripts from the radio show Tribute to the Unconquerableswhich reported the war situation in Greece and Norway. These shows, sponsored by department stores nationwide, promoted the sale of war bonds. Also of note is material relating to a 1944 exhibit in the store called This is the Army Mrs. Jones. The exhibit was designed to illustrate typical army life to civilians at home. Additional material can be found in oversize folders.
The Financial Records series includes daybooks (1904-1950), general ledgers (1904-1964), cash receipts (1941-1964), journals (1950-1962), transfer binder (1917-1953), balance sheets (1862-1904), insurance records (1923-1930), audited statements (1950-1965), disbursements (1961-1964), and payroll and merchandise charts (1973-1976). Three volumes of family accounts span 1867-1904. Tax records for family and business cover 1899 to 1924. A series of reports on the employees' retirement plan (1943-1963) is included. Of special interest are receipted bills (1855-1919) showing early Hutzler Brothers Co. letterheads and a 1932 appraisal of Hutzler's buildings, equipment including store and office furniture, display fixtures, fire protection system, mechanical and service equipment, etc. Some financial records are located in oversize folders.
There are two scrapbooks in the last series. Scrapbook I contains a miscellany of correspondence, photographs, newspaper articles and printed ephemera relating to the store's history. Scrapbook II, Testimonial to Hutzler's 100 Years of Leadership, 1858-1958,contains congratulatory letters on Hutzler's centennial from heads of retail stores throughout the United States (and one from Harrod's in London) who belonged to the Associated Merchandising Corporation.
Awards and certificates relating to both the store and the family are located in an oversize folder. Family members represented are Moses Gutman, Ella Joline Gutman (Hutzler), Abram G. Hutzler, Edwin B. Hutzler, Joel G.D. Hutzler, Albert D. Hutzler, Albert D. Hutzler, Jr., and Henry Oppenheimer. Items include diplomas, membership certificates, confirmations,military papers, awards of merit, and memorials. Other certificates highlight the participation of the Hutzler Brothers Company in community affairs.
May 20, 1966
Filing Code for the Hutzler Archives
1. OFFICERS
Moses Hutzler SOUVENIRS and MEMENTOS 1.10 CLIPPINGS 1.20 PHOTOS 1.30
Abram G. Hutzler 1.11 1.21 1.31
Charles G. Hutzler 1.12 1.22 1.32
David Hutzler 1.13 1.23 1.33
Edwin B. Hutzler 1.14 1.24 1.34
Louis S. Hutzler 1.15 1.25 1.35
Albert D. Hutzler 1.16 1.26 1.36
Joel G. D. Hutzler 1.17 1.27 1.37
Charles G. Hutzler, ll 1.18 1.28 1.38
Albert D. Hutzler, Jr. 1.19 1.29 1.39
Henry Oppenheimer 1.195 1.295 1.395
Charles G. Hutzler, lll 1.200 1.300 1.400
2. Executives and Groups
(Names on back) 2.1 2.2 2.3
Store 2.15 2.225 2.35
3. FAMILY 3.1 3.2 3.3
4. ADVERTISING
Newspaper 4.1
Circulars and Programs 4.2
Souvenirs 4.3
Menus 4.4
Miscellaneous 4.5
Calendars 4.6
5. AWARDS 5.
6. BUILDINGS AND DISPLAYS
BUILDINGS 6.1 6.124 6.128
Exterior 6.1 6.124 6.128
Interior 6.2 6.132 6.116
DISPLAYS
Exterior 6.3
Interior 6.4
Television 6.5
7. DELIVERY AND WRAPPINGS 7.
8. OLD MERCHANDISE 8.
9. OPENINGS AND ANNIVERSARIES AND EXPANSIONS 9.
1932 Opening 9.132
50th Anniversary 9.50
60th Anniversary 9.60
75th Anniversary 9.75
80th Anniversary 9.80
90th Anniversary 9.90
100th Anniversary 9.100
A.M.C Anniversary 9.110
110 [UNK] Anniversary 9.110
10. SUBURBAN STORE OPENINGS 10.
Towson 10.1
Eastpoint 10.2
Westview 10.3
Southdale 10.4
11. OFFICE
Hutzler Bills 11.
12. PERSONNEL MATERIALS 12.
13. WORLD WAR 11 13.2
14.
15. MISCELLANEOUS 15.
BALTO, BOOK
[UNK] ITALIAN - II
Container List
BOX 1
FAMILY
General History and Charts
Notes from City Directories
Genealogical Correspondence, 1915-1971
Saratoga Street Property, 1897-1899
Pew Rents, 1895
Elias Baer Newburger, 1852
Moses Hutzler
Biographical Data
Papers, 1846-1877
Caroline Newburger Hutzler Correspondence, ca. 1874
Theresa Bamberger Loan, 1885
Abram G. Hutzler
Biographical Data
Correspondence, 1898-1907
Cash Book, Expenses for Pomona, 1915-1927
Hebrew Young Men's Literary Assn., 1857
Illustrations
Charles G. Hutzler
Biographical Data
Property Documents, 1903
Charles G. Hutzler II Biographical Data
David Hutzler
Biographical Data
Fabric Memo Book, 1893
Certificate, 1913
Property Documents, 1897-1900
Ella Joline Gutman Hutzler Biographical Data
Edwin Booth Hutzler Memorial, 1936
Louis S. Hutzler
Biographical Data
Property Documents, 1902
Albert David Hutzler, Sr.
Biographical Data
Article, 1940; 1954
Party, 1954
Albert David Hutzler, Jr.
Biographical Data
Radio Script, 1955
Joel G.D. Hutzler, Sr.
School Papers, 1911; 1965
Correspondence, 1914; 1959
Military Papers, 1916-1919
Membership and ID Cards, 1917-1960
Newsclippings
Carolyn Fuld Hutzler
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVES
Store History
Correspondence, 1867-1945
BOX 2
Correspondence, 1945-1970
Correspondence, 1971-1975, n.d.
President's Reports, 1911-1917
Treasurer, 1913
Henry Oppenheimer, 1909-1919
Appointment Calendars, 1972-1973
Appointment Calendars, 1974-1975
Travel Vouchers, 1967-1973
Travel Vouchers, 1974-1976
Cash Vouchers, 1969-1975
BOX 3
CPA Recommendations, 1910-1911
Report on Space Planning Survey I, 1930
Report on Space Planning Survey II, 1930
Data Processing Project Report, 1966-1967
Report on Customer Service Insurance, 1967
Report on Future of Retailing, 1973
Report on Maintenance Study, 1974
Sales Reports, 1948
Sales Reports, 1973
Sales Reports, 1975
Retail Merchants Association, 1917-1958
Security Bond Drive, 1948
Young President's Organization Roster, 1959-1960
Speeches, 1944-1950
BOX 4
Management Dinner Speeches, 1970-1974
EMPLOYEES
Biographical Sketches
Emergency Telephone Lists, ca. 1904-1905; 1947
John F. Wilhelm, Customer Record Book, ca. 1900
Lace Sample Book
J. Frank Haynie
Julius Bamberger, 1906
Retirement Certificates, 1956-1958
Policies and Procedures, 1919
Policies and Procedures
General Rule Books, 1926-1938
General Rule Books, 1940-1943
General Rule Books, 1944-1948
General Rule Books, 1950-1955
General Rule Books, n.d.
BOX 5
Procedures Manual A-D, 1976
Procedures Manual E-J, 1976
Employee Discount Manual, 1949
Manual for Albert D. Hutzler, Jr.'s Secretary, 1974
Copywriters Manual, 1961
Cash Register Manual
Manual for Drivers, 1934-1939
Display Manual, 1976
Display Vouchers, 1976-1977
Displays for Christmas, 1972
Display Training
Sales Interview Training
Christmas Supervision, 1972
Merchandise Transfer Books, 1970-1975
Inter-office Memos, 1931-1935
Inter-office Memos, 1936-1939
BOX 6
Inter-office Memos, 1940-1973
Testimonial, 1919
Testimonial, 1933
LEGAL RECORDS
Partnership Agreements, 1864
Trader's License, 1 May 1900
Vehicle Licenses, 1890-1899
Vehicle Licenses, 1900-1907
Workshop License, 1943
Contracts, 1888-1905
Utility Contracts, 1894-1908
Employee Guarantee Bonds, 1901-1907
Hold Harmless Agreement from Shoplifters, 19 Dec. 1896
PROPERTY
Deed for Lot (J.E. Howard to C. Baughman), 1786
Insurance, 1846
Estimate of Expenses for New Building, ca. 1885
Costs and Contracts, 1887-1904
Lexington Street Mall, 1959-1967
OPENINGS/ANNIVERSARIES/EXPANSIONS
Silver Anniversary Loving Cup, 1958
75-Year Club, Jan. 1933
75-Year Club, Feb.-Oct., 1933
75th Anniversary Exposition, 1933
90th Anniversary, 1948
98th Anniversary, 1956
Centennial, 1958
BOX 7
Electric Welding in New Building, 1931
Southdale, 1965
ADVERTISING
Memos and Reports, 1972-1974
Calendars, 1940-1951
Circulars and Programs, 1918-1932
Circulars and Programs, 1933-1934
Circulars and Programs, 1935-1939
Circulars and Programs, 1940-1947, n.d.
Circulars and Programs, 1959-1973
Circulars and Programs-Mailing Record, 1929-1943
Circulars and Programs-Proofs, n.d.
Newspaper, 1929-1930
Souvenirs, 1880-1881
Souvenirs, 1881-1886
BOX 8
BALTIMORE, A PICTURE HISTORY
Baltimore, A Picture History, 1968
Correspondence, 1957-1968
Luncheon, 1968
Production, 1968
Publicity, 1968
WORLD WAR II
WAAC Information Booths, n.d.
Radio Scripts, n.d.
Teletype Messages, Window #24
This is the Army Mrs. JonesExhibit, 1944
Financial Records
Receipted Bills, 1855-1919, n.d.
Loan Receipts, 1867-1885
Liquidation Account, 1887
Customer Credit Guarantees, 1900-1903
Federal Trade Commission Reports, 1914-1916
Taxes (Family), 1899; 1902
Taxes (Family), 1913-1915
Taxes (Local), 1901-1902
Taxes, 1909-1917
Taxes, 1918-1919
Taxes, 1920-1924
BOX 9
20-Year Book, 1930-1961
(2 folders)
Employees Retirement Plan, 1943-1951
Employees Retirement Plan, 1954-1958
Employees Retirement Plan, 1959-1963
Audited Statements, 1950-1958
Audited Statements, 1959-1965
BOX 10
Appraisal Report, 1932
Balance Sheets, 1862-1869
Balance Sheets, 1870-1879
Balance Sheets, 1880-1889
Balance Sheets, 1890-1904
Trial Balances, 1947-1949
BOX 11
Transfer Binder 1, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 2, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 3, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 4, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 5, 1917-1953
BOX 12
Transfer Binder 6, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 7, 1917-1953
Transfer Binder 8, 1917-1953
BOX 13
Daybook, 1904-1912
Daybook, 1912-1913
BOX 14
Daybook, 1917-1928
Daybook, 1928-1950
BOX 15
Journal, 1950-1953
Journal, 1953-1956
Journal, 1956-1962
BOX 16
Insurance Record and Expiration Book, 1923-1930
Insurance Record and Expiration Book (loose items), 1925-1929
Family Account Book, 1867-1891
Family Account Book, 1898-1904
Family Account Book, 1899-1904
OVERSIZE VOLUMES
General Ledger, 1904-1908
General Ledger, 1908-1911
General Ledger, 1911-1927
General Ledger, 1927-1945
General Ledger, 1932-1949
General Ledger, 1949-1964
Cash Receipts, 1941-1956
Cash Receipts, 1957-1958
Cash Receipts, 1960-1961
Cash Receipts, 1963-1964
Disbursement Book, 1961
Disbursement Book, 1962
Disbursement Book, 1963-1964
Disbursement Book, 1964
Payroll and Merchandise Charts, 1973-1976
SCRAPBOOKS
Scrapbook I
Scrapbook II
OVERSIZE FOLDERS
Employees-Organization Charts, 1921-1949
Employees-Organization Charts, 1950-1958, n.d.
Employees-Organization Charts, Mr. McFee's Division, 1931-1949
Property-Lease, J.E. Howard to John Storick, 1784
World War II
Financial Records-Taxes, 1909-1921
Financial Records-Reconciliation Sheets, Trial Balances, Journal Entries, 1924-1965
Certificates and Awards, 1839-1973
Subject Headings
Account Books, 1904-1965
Advertising, 1880-1974
Appraisals (Valuations), 1932
Baltimore, Md.-Businesses, 1855-1977
Baltimore, Md.-Merchants, 1855-1977
Baltimore, A Picture History,1968
Bamberger, Elkan (fl. 1867-1882)
Bamberger, Estelle (fl. 1899)
Bamberger, Julius (fl. 1898-1906)
Bamberger, Lavinia (fl. 1899-1903)
Bamberger, Pauline (fl. 1899-1903)
Bamberger, Theresa (fl. 1885)
Baughman, Christian (fl. 1786)
Bennett, Delma May (fl. 1920-1958)
Bonan, Frederick P. (fl. 1919-1944)
Businesses-Baltimore, Md., 1855-1977)
Clothing Industry & Trade, 1858-1977
Committee for Downtown, Inc., 1959-1967
Consumer Credit, 1900-1903
Credit, 1900-1903
Delahay, E. Norris (fl. 1922-1947)
Department Stores, 1855-1977
Employees, 1901-1976
Employment, 1919-1976
Fashions, 1927-1973
Frank, Mrs. L.H. (Carrie Bamberger) (fl. 1899-1902)
Germans in the United States, 1846-1977
Gold, Babet (Babette) Hutzler (fl. 1824-1899)
Greece-World War II
Haynie, J. Frank 1862-1930
Horse and Carriage Driving, 1890-1907
Howard, John Eager (fl. 1784-1786)
Hutzler, Abraham (Abram) G. 1836-1927
Hutzler, Albert David, Sr. (fl. 1888-1964)
Hutzler, Albert David, Jr. 1916-
Hutzler, Caroline Newburger 1803-1877
Hutzler, Carolyn Fuld (fl. 1962)
Hutzler, Charles G. 1840-1907
Hutzler, Charles G., Jr. (fl. 1904)
Hutzler, Charles G., II 1904-1955
Hutzler, David 1843-1915
Hutzler, Edwin Booth (fl. 1899-1936)
Hutzler, Ella Joline (Gutman) 1855-1942
Hutzler, George H. (fl. 1899-1904)
Hutzler, Henrietta Sonneborn (fl. 1901-1902)
Hutzler, Joel Gutman David, Sr. (fl. 1899-1965)
Hutzler, Louis S. 1880-1958
Hutzler, Mabel (fl. 1899-1904)
Hutzler, Martin D. (fl. 1899-1904)
Hutzler, Moses 1800-1889
Hutzler, Theresa (fl. 1899-1904)
Hutzler Family 1800-1965
Insurance, 1846-1967
Jews, 1846-1977
Lane, Gov. William Preston (fl. 1950)
Lexington Street Mall, 1959-1967
Lowenthal, David (fl. 1868)
Mencken, H.L. (fl. 1940)
Merchandising, 1858-1977
Merchants--Baltimore, Md., 1855-1977
Nash, Ogden 1902-1971
New York World's Fair, 1939
Newburger, Elias Baer (d. 1852)
Norway--World War II
Oppenheimer, Cora Hutzler (fl. 1899-1904)
Oppenheimer, Henry (fl. 1909-1919)
Owens, Gertrude G. (fl. 1937-1956)
Pomona; 1915-1927
Publishers and Publishing, 1968
Radio Broadcasting--Programs & Scripts, 1940's-1955
Retail Merchants Association, 1917-1958
Retail Trade, 1855-1977
Retirement, 1943-1963
Salesmen and Salesmanship, 1858-1977
Seltzer, Edgar Ritchie (fl. 1899-1954)
Shiel, Michael P. (1884-1934)
Shoplifting, 1896
Spandauer, Rosa Hutzler (fl. 1834-1904)
Taxation, 1899-1915
Taxation-Corporations, 1909-1924
Textile Industry & Trade, 1858-1977
Urban Renewal, 1959-1967
Wilhelm, John F. (fl. ca. 1900)
World War II--Civilian Affairs
World War II--Civilian War Effort
World War II-Radio Broadcasting
Young Presidents' Organization, 1959-1960
