Herbst Department Store (Fargo, N.D.)

Herbst Department Store photograph collection, 1890s-1979 (Photo 2043 & Folio 75)
1023 photographic prints
313 slides

History

Isaac Herbst, born in April 1858 at Cincinnati, Ohio, came to North Dakota in 1884. He was employed at the Eppinger Company in Bismarck and with A. M. Eppinger in Jamestown before coming to Fargo in 1887.

Mr. Herbst worked for the B. & I. Sternberg Store and the Yerxa Company in Fargo until 1889, when he went into partnership with Robert Adler, who supplied capital for the purchase of a bankrupt store's stock. The two opened "The Bankrupt Store" and in a period of about three months had sold out the complete stock.

In 1891, Mr. Herbst opened his own dry goods store at 66 Broadway, calling it I. Herbst and Co. (later Isaac Herbst & Co.). About 1900 the name was changed to Herbst Department Store. In June 1893 the store was struck by fire, but a new store was completed at 16 Broadway by October of that year. In February 1894 another fire swept through the building, but he was able to remodel, and the store soon became a thriving enterprise.

Isaac met and married Emma Krohn of Fargo in 1893. She was born September 13, 1867 at Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Jacob and Dora (Fleishman) Krohn. The couple had two sons, J. Krohn (Dec. 10, 1893-Nov. 28, 1934) and Robert K. (Aug. 17, 1903-Nov. 28, 1981). After Isaac's death on June 21, 1910, Mrs. Herbst took over and became president of the store. She played a direct role in the growth and success of the store, and she also instituted the Herbst Social and Benefit Club for employees in 1920.

Mrs. Herbst stepped down when her eldest son J. Krohn Herbst became president in 1918, but continued on as vice-president. She died June 10, 1925. J. Krohn served as president until his sudden death on November 28, 1934 after an appendectomy operation. Upon his death his younger brother Robert K. Herbst became president.

Robert K. Herbst married Frances Burton in 1926 and they had three sons: Robert, Michael, and Richard K. After their father retired, the three sons took joint control of the store and continued its expansion. In 1958, Herbst Department Store purchased the adjacent Luger Furniture Store and in 1966, the adjacent Edwards Building.

In the early 1970s, branch stores were opened in Bismarck, Devils Lake and Jamestown, and at West Acres Shopping Center in Fargo. Once again the Broadway store was hit by fire in January 1974. It went out of business in February 1982.

Scope and Content

The Herbst Department Store photograph collection document quite extensively the history of the department store from its beginning, through expansion, remodeling, and fires until near its closing in 1982. The Herbst family apparently was very conscientious in documenting the business through photography. The collection was first deposited at the Cass County Historical Society but transferred to the Institute. The collection has been arranged topically in one single alphabetical arrangement. A number of the topical categories, such as Buildings, Employees, Interior views, Sales, Teens and Window displays, have been further subdivided due to the large number of images.

Many of the photographs are 10" x 12" prints that document all aspects of the department store, its facilities and employees. Especially interesting are the early scenes showing fashions from the early 1900s and the selling war bonds during World War II. There are also various portraits of members of the Herbst family.

Many snapshots (both color and black & white) depict the special events the store sponsored for teens in the 1960s, such as Battle of Bands, Santa Party for underprivileged children, Simplicity style shows and photographs of its College Board and Teen Board.

Also photographed are store-sponsored events for the employees including Christmas and retirement parties as well as groups and the department store’s S & B Club. Special promotions and parades are featured such as Santa by Plane, Santa Train, style shows, 75th celebration and several miscellaneous sale days. The February 2, 1946 photographs of the long line waiting for nylon hosiery recalls memories of the days of shortages during the war.

There is a rather extensive series of photographs of window displays in their store. They touch on a variety of topics and feature clothing and accessories for children and women, bridal, hosiery, hats, Spring and World War era.

The Slides series images date from the 1970s. The vast majority are of young women modeling a variety of clothes, likely being advertised and sold by Herbst. Almost all are taken out-of-doors in a variety of settings. There are only several of a young man modeling. The series also includes copy images of print advertising, older photographs and of the store exterior.

Donated by Robert B. Herbst, 1986 (Acc. 2174).