Iszard’s Store Collection, 1910-1991
Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- This collection contains documents, photographs and newspaper clippings from S.F. Iszard Co.'s department store as well as personal papers and photographs from members of the Iszard's family.
- Extent:
- 2 linear feet
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Iszard's Store Collection contains company newsletters, 1963-1977; photographs and newspaper clippings of the Christmas parade, 1958-1989; newspaper clippings; images of the store, events, employees and products; documents related to the construction of the Iszard's building, 1923-1925; and personal papers and photographs of the Iszard's family.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The S.F. Iszard Company, the popular Elmira department store, was founded by Samuel French Iszard (1868-1949) in 1904. The original store was at 301-203 East Water Street in Elmira. In 1923, Iszard commissioned a new building designed by Pierce & Bickford architects at 150 North Main Street. During the 1960s, the company expanded with a branch at the Arnot Mall and, in 1984, Iszard's opened a store in Ithaca. In 1957, the S.F. Iszard Co. began the tradition of hosting an annual Christmas parade. In 1989, the company was purchased by McCurdy's of Rochester. During the nearly 85 years of its existence, Iszard's was a family company. In addition to founder Samuel Iszard, his sons Harry (1893-1971) and Franklin (1897-1977), grandsons Robert (1920-2016) and William (1922-2016), and great-grandson Robert Jr. were all involved in running the company.
- Acquisition information:
- The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by Robert Iszard Jr. in 2012.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
-
Small business
Department stores
Retail trade
Parades
Shopping malls
Blueprints - Names:
- S.F. Iszard Company (Elmira,
N.Y.)
Arnot Mall (Big Flats, N.Y.)
Pierce & Bickford Architects (Elmira, N.Y.)
Iszard Family
Bickford, H. H. (Hiram H.)
Pierce, Joseph H.
Iszard, Samuel F.
Iszard, Franklin K. - Places:
-
Elmira (N.Y.)
Big Flats (N.Y.)
Ithaca (N.Y.)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact:
- (607) 734-4167cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org