William Blum Thalhimer, Jr.

 

A Guide to the William Blum Thalhimer, Jr. Corporate and Family Archives, 1862-1992
Call NumberMss1 T3275a FA1

Description & Guide

Abstract

Main Entry:

Thalhimer, William B., Jr., 1914-2005

Title:

Corporate and family archives, 1862-1992

Size:

ca. 2,500 items

Historical Note: 

William B. Thalhimer, Jr.: Retail Executive, CEO Thalhimer Brothers, Inc., 1950-1987, Chairman of Thalhimer Brothers, Inc., 1973-1990; Served in United States Marine Corps, 1942-1946. Thalhimer Brothers, Inc.: opened as a one-room, family-owned retail store in Richmond, Va., 1842; Incorporated, 1921; acquired first store, Sosnick's in Winston-Salem, N.C., 1949; publicly traded, 1953; merged with Carter, Hawley, Hale, 1978; acquired by May Company, 1990; merged with May Company subsidiary, Hecht's, 1992 and the Thalhimer name was discontinued. The business was headed in succession by William Thalhimer (1809-1883), Isaac Thalhimer (1855-1930), William B. Thalhimer (1888-1969), and William B. Thalhimer, Jr. (1914-2005).

Summary:

Chiefly business records, ca. 1880s-1990s, including account books and financial statements, advertising materials, internal publications, printed materials and newspaper clippings, photographs, and company history materials documenting the history and retail operations of Thalhimer Brothers of Richmond, Va., from the company's inception in 1842 until its merger with Hecht Company in 1992. At its height, the company operated twenty-seven stores in four southeastern states. Members of the Thalhimer family, who were prominent Jewish merchants, including William Thalhimer (1809-1883), Isaac Thalhimer (1855-1930), William Blum Thalhimer (1888-1969), William Blum Thalhimer, Jr. (1914-2005), and Irving May (1891-1964) are represented in the collection.

A bound family and corporate history traces the life of the family-owned retail business. (Restricted until 2025)

Provenance:

Gift in honor of William B. Thalhimer, Jr., of Richmond, Va., by his children, Barbara Thalhimer, William B. Thalhimer III, and Robert L. Thalhimer, on May 12, 1994. Accessioned February 6, 1995.

Restrictions:

Family and corporate history restricted until 2025. No restrictions on remainder of collection.

Arrangement:

Introduction
Section descriptions
    Section One: Family and Corporate History (restricted until 2025)
    Section Two: Corporate History
    Section Three: Speeches
    Section Four: Financial Reports
    Section Five: Advertising and Promotion
    Section Six: Personnel
    Section Seven: Miscellaneous
    Section Eight: Photographs
    Section Nine: Account Books
    Section Ten: Text Books
Index to Sections
Container List

Collection Description

Introduction

I. Company History

The history of the Richmond-based retail firm of Thalhimer Brothers spans over one hundred and fifty years. Beginning as a small dry goods store, Thalhimer Bros. grew into one of the South's most successful retail chains. Prior to its merger with the May Company in 1990, the company was operating twenty-seven stores in four states with annual sales of just under $500 million. Thalhimer's durability and success was a product of the acumen, vision, and philosophy of its founder and the generations which followed in his footsteps.

Wolf Thalheimer (1809-1883), whose name was later anglicized to William Thalhimer, emigrated from an area near Baden, Germany, to the United States in 1840. Entering the country at the port of New Orleans, William journeyed across the South, finally settling in Richmond, Virginia, a community known to have a substantial population of German Jews. By 1842, he had saved enough money peddling his wares from a horse-drawn cart to open a store. William and his wife, Mary Millhiser (1817-1876), whom he married in 1845, worked to make the store, located on Main Street between 17th and 18th streets, prosper.

The War Between the States brought years of hardship and trial for the couple. Shortages left the shelves bare and the Great Conflagration of April 1865 damaged the store, which had been relocated up the block. As capital was scarce in the war-ravaged South, William turned his sight northward in search of resources. Contacting friends in New York City, he was able to procure a loan to rebuild the store.

Although the period of Reconstruction proved to be difficult, the loan bolstered the store's chances of survival. By 1870, William chose to relocate to Broad Street between 3rd and 4th streets and then again to 501 E. Broad Street in 1875. Situated on a hill, the new location removed the business from the threat of floods that periodically plagued the low-lying area of Shockoe Bottom.

All five of William's sons worked in the store as young boys; however, Isaac (1855-1930) and Moses (1857-1935) displayed a lasting interest and commitment to running the business in the future. As William grew older, he relinquished responsibility for operating the store to Isaac and Moses. Following William's death in 1883, the store became known as Thalhimer Brothers. Although the name would remain, the team of Isaac and Moses soon parted ways. Isaac offered to buy out Moses's share of the business, which he willingly accepted.

Isaac became president of the company as mass produced goods, including clothes, were entering the economy in greater quantities. While many consumers held the belief that mass-produced goods were inferior, Isaac saw an opportunity to capitalize on the nascent innovation. He soon offered ready-to-wear clothes for sale, a decision that proved to be profitable as the stigma diminished.

Just as Isaac had learned the retail trade from his father, so too did Isaac's son, William (1888-1969). William inherited the keen merchandising instincts common to the Thalhimer family and possessed a strong ambition and boundless energy. These character traits combined to propel Thalhimer Bros. successfully through the early years of the twentieth century. William officially entered the business in 1905 after a year of employment with Carson, Pirie, and Scott in Chicago. In 1917, Isaac and William became legal partners, and in 1921 Thalhimer Bros. was incorporated.

Responding to the need for more space, the business relocated to the 600 block East Broad Street in 1922. During the 1930's, Thalhimer's purchased the Odeon Theater and leased property from the Robert E. Lee estate next door. The theater was demolished, and a six floor structure was constructed. Three floors were added to the Lee site and amenities, such as air conditioning and escalators, were installed.

The additional square footage enabled William to create a specialized department on each floor. For example, the Homemaker Floor contained appliances, cookware, and dishes, while the Fashion Floor housed dresses, suits, sportswear, and designer originals. Thrift Lane, a floor containing inexpensive items, catered to the low budget consumer.

William devoted a large share of his time to the local and international community. Prior to Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland, he worked tirelessly to bring German-Jews to the United States. As the door to Jewish emigration was closing, Hyde Park Farm in Burkeville, Virginia, was purchased with the assistance of William's cousin, Morton G. Thalhimer, and arrangements were made for immigrant German Jews to live temporarily at the farm. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Thalhimer Bros. initiated the Parking Lot Canteen, an outdoor social held during the summer months for enlisted men and their guests. As the name suggests, Thalhimer's parking lot was used for the festivities.

A heart attack in 1927 forced William to reduce his work load for the remainder of his life. Although William lost much of his youthful energy, he continued to offer many useful merchandising ideas until his death in 1969. His poor health forced his namesake, William, Jr., to assume an ever greater role in the business.

William Blum Thalhimer, Jr., was born on June 12, 1914. As a young boy he attended Ginter Park Elementary School and in 1932, William, Jr. graduated from John Marshall High School. Douglas S. Freeman, a close friend of William, Sr., encouraged the younger man to enter the family business rather than enroll in college. William, Jr., agreed to forego a college education, but he insisted upon obtaining a position at a different retailer in order to prove his own merit, and on visiting vendors to observe the origin of Thalhimer's products. Following a tour of the textile mills of North and South Carolina, he worked at Stern Brothers in New York City. In 1934, William, Jr., returned to Richmond and began the first of his 56 years with Thalhimer's.

William, Jr., quickly ascended the corporate ladder, moving from Art Needlework Buyer in 1934 to President and CEO in 1950. With the onset of the United States' involvement in World War II, William, Jr., joined the throngs of volunteers who were lining up to fight the Axis powers. He returned home after having attained the rank of Captain in the Marine Corps.

Thalhimer's experienced a greater than two-fold increase in profits during the war years, from $8 million to $16 million. In order to position itself for continued growth after the war, the company embarked on a series of projects. A distribution center was constructed increase warehousing space and merchandising capacity. Sosnick's department store in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was purchased, and shares of Thalhimer Bros. stock were traded on Wall Street for the first time. By going public, the company generated additional cashflow to finance expansion into the Virginia and North Carolina markets. These actions served to accelerate the upward progression of Thalhimer's profit curve.

The postwar years were marked by the increasing flight to suburbia and an uneasiness with the continuation of segregation. Thalhimer's was influenced by both of these trends. The company began to open stores in the new suburban shopping malls across the region. Sixteen stores were opened during the decade of the 1960s. However, the growth in sales was temporarily interrupted by a boycott that was initiated to protest racial discrimination. Thalhimer Bros. was forced to confront the stigma of segregation.

On 22 February, 1960, an organized group of fifty blacks at the Downtown Richmond store were refused service and escorted out of the Richmond Room. The resulting boycott and lines of picketers cost Thalhimer's $3 million in sales. The situation prompted a meeting between William, Jr., and Webster Rhoads, the president of Miller & Rhoads Department Store, to discuss a solution to the crisis. They resolved to invite blacks to dine at their respective eating establishments, thus taking the first steps to end segregation. Upon hearing about the events, President John F. Kennedy requested the presence of William, Jr., at a meeting to discuss the South's transition to an integrated society.

By the 1970s, Thalhimer Bros. was an attractive candidate for a merger. Carter, Hawley, Hale, a Los Angeles based retailer, paid $150 million for Thalhimer's in 1978. The money provided the necessary cashflow to continue the policy of expansion. Importantly, the merger agreement allowed the Thalhimer family to remain as active participants in the business. Extending their presence in the region, Thalhimer's opened new stores in Tennessee and South Carolina.

In October of 1990, Carter, Hawley, Hale sold Thalhimer's to The May Company. A year later May Co. announced the merger of its other subsidiary, Hecht's, with Thalhimer Bros. As a result, the Thalhimer name was discontinued and seven stores, including the flagship store in Richmond, were closed. The one-hundred and fifty-year history of Thalhimer Bros. was brought to a conclusion.

II. Collection Summary

This collection was donated by the Thalhimer family in honor of William Blum Thalhimer, Jr., in 1994. The bulk of the collection contains material that focuses on the twentieth century development of Thalhimer Bros. A brief highlight of each section follows.

Section One is entitled "Family and Corporate History" and contains a bound item that traces the 150 year history of the company and the family. The item is restricted until 2025.

Section Two is entitled "Corporate History." The series of folders contain speeches, press releases, internal documents, newspaper clippings, and chronologies related to the history of the business. The Carter, Hawley, Hale merger (1978), the May Company acquisition (1990), and the unveiling of the aluminum facade at the downtown Richmond store (1955) are highlighted.

Section Three is entitled "Speeches." Dating from 1967 to 1986, the speeches cover topics such as year-end results, long range plans, management approach, merchandising, marketing, and advertising.

Section Four is entitled "Financial Reports." The section contains annual reports (1946-1977), sales performance (1895-1916 and 1989-1992), and square footage and sales productivity reports (1988-1990).

Section Five is entitled "Advertising and Promotion" and contains Christmas catalogs, newspaper clippings of advertisements (1898-1990), and a detailed review that was conducted in 1930 on Thalhimer Bros.' sales promotion and advertising activities.

Section Six is entitled "Personnel." A collection of company newsletters dating from 1940-1989 offer the researcher information on employees, trace the post-war growth of the business, and reveal trends in society. A group of service party programs (1956-1990) provides lists and photographs of the employees. A service manual (1948) outlines company policies.

Section Seven is entitled "Miscellaneous." A wide range of items including a genealogical and organizational chart, receipts (1883-1904), a floor plan of the downtown Richmond store (1971), and correspondence concerning the engagement of Jacob Thalhimer (1851-1941) with Minnie Bettleheim (1863-1938).

Section Eight is entitled "Photographs." The section contains four photograph albums, which primarily concern the downtown Richmond store, and numerous loose photographs of Thalhimer Bros.' satellite stores.

Section Nine is entitled "Account Books." The nine volummes (four ledgers and five journals) provide a glimpse of store operations from 1894-1942. Other headings include Liberty Bonds, Real Estate, Insurance, and Stocks.

Section Ten is entitled "Textbooks." Two textbooks on production/operations management (1987 and 1990) devote a chapter to the subject of mass service.

The guide that follows contains a subject index and a detailed outline of the materials in the collection. The files are grouped by basic subject and arranged alphabetically.

Section Descriptions

Section One. Family and Corporate History (Restricted until 2025)

Folder 1

"Thalhimer's: A Family, A Tradition, A Business" (narrative tracing the life of a family-owned retail business)

Section Two. Corporate History

Folders 2-4

Aluminum Facade Unveiling (1955)
On October 10, 1955, Thalhimer Bros. held a ceremony to unveil the aluminum facade erected at the 6th and Broad Street store in Richmond. The folders contain newspaper clippings, press releases, programs, speeches, and photographs related to the event. (see also: Section Eight - Photographs: Addition and Construction, folders 104-106)

Folder 5

Carter, Hawley, Hale Merger (1978)
Contains newspaper clippings, press releases, memos, speeches, correspondence, reports, a list of CHH stores, and the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. (see also: Section Six - Personnel: Newsletters, folders 48 & 49 and Section Three - Speeches: 1978, folder 16)

Folder 6

Chronologies
Contains items that briefly highlight the notable occasions of Thalhimer Bros.' history.

Folder 7

Internal Documents
Contains brief, narrative histories of the business. Highlighted topics include: the founding, growth, expansion, philosophy, merchandising and technological developments, and community service.

Folder 8

May Company Acquisition (1990)
Contains newspaper clippings, press releases, and a list of the stores owned by Thalhimer Brothers, Inc. and the May Department Store Company.

Folder 9

Newspaper Clippings
An assortment of articles and captions covering growth and expansion, fashion, personnel, and community service.

Folder 10

Press Releases, Drafts of Articles
Articles and press releases include: "The Story of Thalhimer's"(1955); "Thalhimer's, Richmond, Virginia, Host to Leading Department Stores' Officials (1967); "The Management of a Family Enterprise" (1968); "Thalhimer's Today....126 Years Young" (1968); Thalhimer's to open store in Regency Square Shopping Center (1974); Thalhimer's enters 135th Year (1977); Editorial Fact Sheet (1977).

Folder 11

Service Center
Contains an article, a brochure, a "Behind the Scenes" description of the Service Center, and photographs of delivery vehicles, drivers, and an artist's rendering of the Service Center.

Folder 12

Speeches, Addresses, etc.
Contains speeches (undated, 1938, 1966, and 1990) that focus on the history of Thalhimer Bros.

Section Three. Speeches

Folder 13

N.d.
Topics include: A thank you to Virginia Museum benefactors; Thalhimer Bros.' short and long range plans as a division of Carter, Hawley, Hale; Richmond landmarks in 1842; a career in retail.

Folder 14

1967
Topics include: Electronic data processing at Thalhimer Bros.; Thalhimer Bros.' management approach, market, and growth plans; Thalhimer Bros.' growth outside the Richmond area; Thalhimer Bros.' advertising and merchandising approach.

Folder 15

1976
Topics include: Thalhimer Bros.' record year results (expansion, profits, stock offering); "The Thalhimer Story" (sales and earnings information, market comparisons, expansion, and management structure).

Folder 16

1978
Topics include: Thalhimer Bros. at the time of the Carter, Hawley, Hale merger (sales, number of stores, management approach, marketing); comments on the Spring 1979 budget (merchandising plan, expenses, and earnings). (see also: Section Two - Corporate History: Carter, Hawley, Hale Merger, folder 5 and Section Six - Personnel: Newsletters, folders 48 & 49)

Folder 17

1982
Topic: Introduction of Thalhimer Bros.' executive staff.

Folder 18

1986
Topic: Introduction of Governor Charles S. Robb (brief public service profile).

Section Four. Financial Reports

Folders 19-21

Annual Reports (1946-1977)
S.E.C. Registration (1965)
* Bound volume is housed in Box 1.

Folder 22

Sales Performance
1895-1916: Monthly sales totals with percent increase of sales between 1894-1901.
1989: Carter, Hawley, Hale: (retail sales, stock, and merchandise statistics by category and division).
1990: Thalhimer Bros.' sales, ranked by store and market penetration (Jan. & Jul. 1990); detailed financial results for the month of July; sales trends by store (Fall 1990); day percents to season/year (Fall 1989 & Spr. 1990); annual sales trends by store; total sales, balance sheet, profit and loss statement by store for 1990; store sales ranking report and sales penetration by market for 1990.
1991: Thalhimer Bros.' store sales ranking and inventory reports (Jan. 1991); Thalhimer's / Hecht's sales comparative (Jan. 1991); May Co. weekly sales and comparisons by division (week ending 2/2/91); May Co. vendor sales (Spr. 1991).
1992: Thalhimer Bros.' sales report (Jan. 1992).

Folders 23-24

Square Footage and Sales Productivity Reports
The reports cover the years 1988-1990 and provide comparative information about Thalhimer Bros. as a division of Carter, Hawley, Hale.

Folder 25

Stocks and Bonds
Contains a Thalhimer Bros.' stock prospectus (Apr.15, 1966); dividend list for the years 1946-1978; and a stock issue statement to the S.C.C. (Apr.17, 1923).

Section Five. Advertising and Promotion

Folder 26

Brochure (Van Raalte Singlettes)

Folders 27-29

Christmas Catalogues

Folder 30

Logos

Folder 31

Newspaper Clippings
Contains advertisements between the years 1898-1990.

Folder 32

Prospectus
This item promotes the advantages of cooperative advertising between Thalhimer Bros. and its vendors

Folder 33

Review and Analysis (1930)
In 1930, Amos Parrish & Co. prepared a detailed report on Thalhimer Bros.' sales promotion and advertising activities. It was divided into sections that included the profit making possibilities of the departments, phases of the store's merchandising, interviews with Richmond residents, recommendations, practical method for making monthly sales promotion and advertising plans, and analysis of Thalhimer's newspaper advertising.

Folders 34-37

Visuals

Section Six. Personnel

Folder 38

Certificate of Safety Achievement (1955)

Folder 39

Company Report (1986)
Item briefly elaborates on Thalhimer Bros.' mission statement.

Folder 40

Equal Employment (1979)
The item states Thalhimer Bros.' policy on employment opportunities.

Folder 41

May, Irving (1891-1964)
Contains photographs, a speech, a biographical profile, and a resolution passed by the Thalhimer's Board of Trustees upon Mr. May's death.

Folder 42

Memorandum
Memo dated June 19, 1962, pertaining to the expansion of the Westmoreland store in Richmond.

Newsletters
The newsletters offer a wealth of information about Thalhimer Bros.' employees, including employee profiles and announcements of weddings, births, and deaths. Employees are informed of company activities, such as social and sporting events, fashion shows, and community service functions. The newsletters also kept employees abreast of company benefits, promotions, growth and expansion, provided merchandising tips, and highlighted departments. Space was also reserved for a gossip column, contests, and creative writing by employees. At the conclusion of most years, an annual Christmas message from the president was printed. Under the title of each newsletter, specific points of interest are highlighted. (for Old Timer's Party, see also: Section Six - Personnel: Old Timer's Party, folders 51-60)

Folder 43

TBI Talks (June 1940 - Mar. 1942)
Highlights include: Camp Thalia, a weekend retreat for employees at the Swift Creek Recreation Area; a column reserved for "colored news", and community service drives to aid Britain prior to direct U.S. involvement in World War II.

Folder 44

TBI Fights (Apr. 1942 - Aug. 1945)
With the onset of the United States' involvement in World War II, the newsletter changed its name to "TBI Fights" and pledged to continue the title until the cessation of hostilities. During the war, the newsletter provided names of enlistees and published letters and photographs from service-men. War Savings Bond drives were announced and promoted. Articles featured the Parking Lot Canteen, a summer night spot for servicemen and friends. In July 1942, an article entitled "Women in the War" was published.

Folders 45-46

TBI Talks (Sept. 1945 - Christmas 1960)
Following the Japanese surrender, the newsletter resumed its previous title, "TBI Talks." The newsletter documents postwar growth and expansion and, through photographs of service parties, reveals the culture of segregation. Departmental highlights offer an insight into standard operating procedures of Thalhimer Bros., and articles on Social Security, group health insurance, and polio injections provide a glimpse of American society.

Folder 47

TBI Tips (1958 - 1969)
"TBI Tips" was introduced in September 1958 as a monthly supplement to "TBI Talks," which had evolved into an annual Christmas issue. Like "TBI Talks", the newsletter also documents Thalhimer Bros.' growth and expansion, and reports on the Old Timer's Parties.

Folders 48-49

Thalhimer's Christmas (1971 - 1990)
"Thalhimer's Christmas" was an annual publication. Highlights include the Carter, Hawley, Hale Merger (1978) and an article entitled "The Year in Review" for the years 1983-1985. (see also: Section Two - Corporate History: Carter, Hawley, Hale Merger (1978), folder 5 and Section Three - Speeches: 1978, folder 16)

Folder 50

Thalhimer's Today (1984-1989)
"Thalhimer's Today" appears to have been another effort to publish a newsletter more often than once a year. This bimonthly publication includes articles about computerization of the workplace.

Folders 51-60

Old Timer's Party
The Old Timer's Party was held to recognize employee service of ten or more years. This group of ten folders contains newspaper clippings (1971, 1983, 1985, 1989, and 1990), photographs of the events, and programs (1956-1990) that provide lists and pictures of the honored employees.(see also: Section Six - Personnel: Newsletters, folders 43-50)

Folder 61

Orientation Booklet (1982)

Folder 62

Performance Appraisal (1991)
Contains two executive performance appraisals.

Folder 63

Recruitment
Contains two items entitled "Thalhimer's, A Proud Tradition, An Exciting Future" and "Thalhimer's: An Exceptional Retailer, An Exceptional Career."

Folder 64

Service Manual (1948)
Contains information relating to personnel policies and service procedures.

Folder 65

Social Security Amendment (1954)
The item summarizes changes in the Social Security law.

Folder 66

Telephone Directory (1991)

Folder 67

Thalhimer Scholarship Foundation
Contains a pamphlet relating to the foundation.

Folder 68

Wages
List of minimum wages from 1947-1982; summary of pay ranges for Merchandising and Store Executives for 1989 and 1990; May Department Stores pay range structure for 1990 and 1991; and a report on commission, hourly rates, wage rate analysis, and an employee head count by store and status.

Section Seven. Miscellaneous

Folder 69

Bank Note (1862)

Folder 70

Centurama (1942)
The Centurama was an event held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Thalhimer's. The folder contains a program and three photos of window displays.

Folder 71

Christmas Cards

Folder 72

Coloring Books

Folder 73

Correspondence concerning Jacob Thalhimer
Contains three letters written to Jacob Thalhimer (1851-1941) concerning his engagement to Minnie Bettleheim (1863-1938) in November of 1882. The letters were written by Gustavus Thalhimer (1846-1895), Jeff Kopper, and Isaac Held.

Folder 74

Floor Plan (Downtown Richmond Store, Feb. 1971)

Folder 75

Genealogical Chart (Thalhimer Family)

Folder 76

Invitation (1950)
Christmas Eve open house.

Folder 77

Letter (July 16, 1959)
The letter concerns the Young Virginian's shop and expansion in the Richmond area.

Folder 78

Membership Roster (Young President's Organization, 1955)

Folder 79

Menu (Richmond Room)

Folder 80

Miller & Rhoads
Contains invitation from the Miller & Rhoads Employees' Association (Apr. 4, 1907); a narrative history of Miller & Rhoads (1960); a photograph of the Miller & Rhoads store in downtown Richmond; and newspaper clippings concerning the closing of Miller & Rhoads.

Folder 81

Newspaper clippings
Contains two front page reprints from June 12, 1914, the birthday of William Blum Thalhimer, Jr., and articles concerning his retirement.

Folder 82

Organizational Charts
The charts reflect the organizational structure of Thalhimer Bros. during the chief executive terms of Isaac Thalhimer and William Blum Thalhimer, Sr.

Folder 83

Patent Issue (Shay Cigarettes, 1885)

Folder 84

Postcards
1923: Thalhimer's Berlin buying office.
1974: Thalhimer's downtown Richmond store.

Folder 85

Receipts (1883-1904)

Section Eight. Photographs

Folder 86

NC: Durham (retail stores)

Folder 87

NC: Fayetteville (retail store)

Folder 88

NC: Greensboro (retail stores)

Folder 89

NC: High Point (retail store)

Folder 90

NC: Raleigh (retail store)

Folder 91

NC: Winston-Salem (retail stores)

Folder 92

TN: Memphis (retail store)

Folder 93

VA: Danville (retail stores)

Folder 94

VA: Hampton (retail store)

Folder 95

VA: Lynchburg (retail store)

Folder 96

VA: Norfolk (retail store)

Folder 97

VA: Petersburg (retail stores)

Folders 98-99

VA: Richmond (retail and commercial stores)

Folder 100

VA: Richmond (Christmas Display, Downtown Store)

Folder 101

VA: Richmond (Christmas Float)

Folder 102

Misc.: Delivery Wagon

Folder 103

Misc.: Snow Bear

Folder 104

Misc.: Photograph Album
Contains 1923 letter regarding recently installed lighting; interior and exterior views of the Downtown Richmond store; views of the service building, fleet, and warehouses; aerial views of Richmond; exterior views of the Downtown Danville Store, and an auto call # list for the delivery truck drivers.

Folders 105-107

Misc.: Photograph Album: Addition and Construction, 1955
Chronicles the construction of an addition and the erection of an aluminum facade at the Downtown Richmond store during 1955. (See also: Section Two - Corporate History: Aluminum Facade Unveiling, folders 2-4.)

Folder 108

Misc.: Photograph Album: Basement Store, Downtown Richmond
Contains views of the merchandise in the Basement Store at the Downtown Richmond location.

Folder 109

Misc.: Photograph Album: Christmas, 1953
Contains photographs and newspaper clippings.

Section Nine. Account Books

Vol. 1

Ledger (1894-1925)
Subjects include: Sales (1895-1920); Discounts on Remittances (1901-1925); Interest and Discount (1894-1918); Expenses (1902-1918); Accounts Drawn by Isaac Thalhimer (1894-1918); Accounts Drawn by Moses Thalhimer (1894-1918); Profit and Loss (1894-1918); Balance Sheet (1901-1918); Stock owned by Thalhimer Bros. and members of the Thalhimer family; Real Estate; Insurance; Liberty Bonds; U.S. War Savings Certificates; and Employees' Bonds.

Vol. 2

Ledger (1894-1910)
Subjects include: Rents (1894-1904); Amounts drawn by Isaac and Moses Thalhimer (1894-1909); Profit and Loss (1894-1910); Balance Sheet (1903-1910); Stocks owned by Thalhimer Bros. and members of the Thalhimer family; Insurance; Real Estate.

Vol. 3

Ledger (1919-1921)
Subjects include: Liberty Bonds; U.S. War Savings Certificates; Stock owned by the company and members of the Thalhimer family; U.S. Certificates of Indebtedness; and Real Estate.

Vol. 4

Ledger (1926-1942)
This ledger contains daily entries under the heading, Sales and Collections.

Vol 5

Journal (1914-1916)
Item contains entries concerning store operation (expenses/accounts payable).

Vol. 6

Journal (1915-1918)
Item contains entries concerning store operation (cash).

Vol. 7

Journal (1916-1917)
Item contains entries concerning store operation (expenses/ accounts payable).

Vol. 8

Journal (1918-1919)
Item contains entries concerning store operation (payroll).

Vol. 9

Journal (1916-1917)
Item contains entries concerning store operation (purchase control record).

Section Ten. Text Books

Vol. 1

Production/Operations Management, 3rd ed.
Segment I, Plant Tours. Tour H: Mass Service, Thalhimer's, Cloverleaf Mall Store, Richmond, Va., 1987.

Vol. 2

Production/Operations Management, 4th ed.
Segment I, Plant and Service Tours. Tour H: Mass Service, Thalhimer's, Cloverleaf Mall Store, Richmond, Va., 1990.

Index to Sections

  • Accounts: Thalhimer brothers, Richmond, Va.
  • Account books, 9
  • Advertising - Retail trade, 3, 5
  • Afro-Americans - Employment, 6
  • Awards, 6
  • Camp Thalia, Chesterfield co., Va., 6
  • Carter, Hawley, Hale stores, inc., Los Angeles, Calif., 2, 3, 4, 6
  • Centurama, 7
  • Cloverleaf mall, Richmond, Va., 10
  • Consolidation and merger of corporations, 2
  • Corporation reports, 4
  • Danville, Va. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Department stores, 2
  • Durham, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Employee benefits, 6
  • Employees - Recruitment, 6
  • Family-owned business enterprises, 1
  • Fayetteville, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Financial statements, 4
  • Genealogical charts - Thalhimer family, 7
  • Greensboro, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Hampton, Va. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Hecht company, Arlington, Va., 4
  • Held, Isaac, 7
  • High Point, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Incentive awards, 6
  • Kopper, Jeff, 7
  • Liberty bonds, 9
  • May, Irving, 1891-1964, 6
  • May department stores company, St. Louis, Mo., 2, 4, 6
  • Memphis, Tenn. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Merchandising, 2, 3
  • Miller & Rhoads, Richmond, Va.
  • Norfolk, Va. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Parking lot canteen, Richmond, Va.
  • Parrish, Amos and company, 5
  • Performance awards, 6
  • Petersburg, Va. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Raleigh, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Regency square shopping center, Richmond, Va., 2
  • Retail trade, 10
  • Retail trade - Automation, 3, 6
  • Retail trade - Employees, 6
  • Richmond, Va., 2
  • Richmond, Va. Broad street, 2
  • Richmond, Va. - Historic sites, 3
  • Richmond, Va. - Merchants, 3
  • Richmond, Va. - Pictoral works, 8
  • Richmond, Va., Sixth street, 2
  • Robb, Charles Spittal, 1939- , 3
  • Savings bonds, 6, 9
  • Social responsibility of business, 2, 6
  • Speeches, 2, 3
  • Stocks, 4
  • Stores, Retail 2
  • Swift Creek recreation area, Chesterfield co., Va., 6
  • Thalhimer, Gustavus, 1846-1895, 7
  • Thalhimer, Isaac, 1855-1930, 9
  • Thalhimer, Jacob, 1851-1941, 7
  • Thalhimer, Minnie Bettleheim, 1863-1938, 7
  • Thalhimer, Moses, 1857-1935, 9
  • Thalhimer brothers, Richmond, Va., 2 , 3 , 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Thalhimer brothers, Richmond, Va. - Pictoral works, 2, 6, 8
  • U.S. Securities and exchange commission, 4
  • Virginia. Museum of fine arts, 3
  • Virginia. State corporation commission, 4
  • Wages, 6
  • Winston-Salem, N.C. - Pictoral works, 8
  • World War, 1939-1945 - Virginia - Social aspects, 6
  • Thalhimer brothers, Richmond, Va., Young Virginian's shop, Richmond, Va., 7

Containter List

Box 1

Sections 1-5 (Folders 1-37)

Box 2

Section 6 & 7 (Folders 38-85)

Box 3

Section 8. Photographs (Folders 86-99)

Box 4

Section 8. Photographs, cont. (Folders 100-109)

Box 5

Section 9. Account Books, ledgers, 1894-1942

Box 6

Section 9. Account Books, journals, 1914-1917

Box 7

Section 9. Account Books, journals, 1918-1926

Box 8

Section 10. Text Books, 1987, 1990

Last updated: July 6, 2001