Wurzburg/Arbaugh Department Store's Records

Collection

Identifier: Collection 429

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The materials contained within this collection are concerned mainly with the time period between 1945-1955. It was during this time that Wurzburg's Department Store had acquired the old Herpolsheimer's Department Store buidling and had completely renovated it to become the new flagship store of Wurzburg's. This is reflected by the folio size document contained within this collection that showcases the new Wurzburg flagship store.

It was also during this same time period that Wurzburg's started to branch out into the suburban communities of Grand Rapids, building stores on the Beltline, 28th Street and other locations. During this same expansion Wurzburg's acquired Arbaugh Department Store which was located in Lansing. This acquisition is reflected by the stock certificate book that is contained within this collection.

Dates

1872 - 1955

Biographical / Historical

Founded in 1872 by Frederick Wurzburg, Wurzburg's Department store was to become one of the leading department stores of Grand Rapids in the 19th and 20th centuries. The original store was located at Crescent and Canal Streets and occupied the first two floors of the building there. In 1913 Wurzburg's expanded and relocated to a location on Monroe Avenue and extended to Bond Avenue. It was in the 1913 location until it moved to Monroe and Ottawa in 1951. At this location Wurzburg's occupied the former Herpolsheimer's. While here Wurzburg's completely remodeled the building with a new addition added onto the Southwest corner of the building. It was during the 1950's that Wurzburg's Department Store acquired Arbaugh's Department Store of Lansing. This acquisition allowed Wurzburg's to expand into the Lansing market and coincided with Wurzburg's expansion into the Grand Rapids suburban market.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Wurzburg/Arbaugh Department Store Records contains items that range from the late 1940's to early 1950's. It was during this time period that Wurzburg's was expanding and renewing their retail brand. This meant an expansion into other retail markets, including the Lansing area and a renovation of their prescence in downtown Grand Rapids.