Subject: Family Businesses

Billhead from J. Joske & Son, located at Alamo Plaza, opposite the Post Office in San Antonio, Texas, dated December 14, 1883. The document includes a note detailing Julius Joske's arrival in San Antonio in 1867, his return to Germany with his wife and one son in 1883, and the subsequent establishment of Joske Brothers department store by his remaining sons. Joske Brothers later became a major department store and was acquired by Allied Stores in 1932.

This letter, dated August 4, 1862, is from Hendricks Brothers in New York, New York, to Luther Boardman in East Haddam, Connecticut. The letter acknowledges receipt of a check for $25.00 in payment for "S.M. Copper Plate." The letterhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for "Office of Hendricks Brothers" and "New York Aug. 4, 1862," along with the business address.

A one-page letter from Schmidt & Werner in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Charles Tobias in New York City, dated May 30, 1838. The letter includes three pasted-in newspaper notices announcing the death of M. J. Tobias and the subsequent takeover of his business by his sons, F. M. and G. W. Tobias, with Henry & Chas. Tobias named as their agents in New York City. The cost of each newspaper notice is noted.

Envelope addressed to Henry Meyer in Gottinge, Germany, dated February 2, 1898. The letter mentions Henry Seesel, who fought in the Mexican War and wrote a book about his experiences. The letter also mentions that in 1874, Albert Seesel became a business partner, and that a family-owned chain of supermarkets was built which was sold to a large corporation in 1996. The address on the envelope is 139 Main Street.

This trade card advertises J. Borgenski's, a clothing store located at 458 North Second Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front of the card depicts two children playing at the seashore. One child is holding a basket, and the other is holding a doll. The children are standing on the beach with a wooden railing in the background. The image is simple and charming. The back of the card includes a full advertisement for the business, suggesting a large Jewish family was associated with the business.