Joe Hirsch, Manager, Joe Weisman & Co, 511-517 N. Washington Ave., was one of the charter members and one of the first officers of the Marshall Rotary Club.
Joe Weisman & Co. was founded in 1874, and, by 1919, had become one of the finest department stores in Texas. People from miles away came to shop at Joe Weisman & Co., and Joe was a big reason. He was a promoter of fine clothes and fine living. On December 20, 1919, he ran this full-page ad in the “Marshall Messenger” urging everyone to shop for their Christmas gifts:
“Gifts For Everybody at the Weisman Big Store!”
“Christmas is almost upon us. You have only 3 days to prepare for it --- to complete your gift purchases and see that no one is forgot. Don't delay your Christmas shopping another day, or you're sure to be disappointed if you wait. We are ready to serve you with a complete diversity of suitable and attractive gift-things.”, he said.
Open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Weisman’s, had gifts for the baby: baby blankets for $1.25, Buggy Quilts for $4.00, $5.00, $6.00, and sweaters for $1.00. They had handbags for the ladies of silk, leather, and velvet, from $2.50 to $10, and Kid Gloves for as little as $2.00. There were suits from $24.50, Dresses from $19.75, and coats, “that will please the most fastidious”, for as little as $21.50. The more intimate gifts there were Camisoles, “of Crepe de Chin, Wash Satin, and Georgette, exquisitely trimmed, at $1.50, to $5.00”, and “Teddies trimmed in lace and ribbons for $6.00.”
For the men there were slippers “in Opera and Everett styles” for $3.50 and $4.00, Neckwear from 50c to $3.00, gloves, “for dress wear, gloves for warmth, auto gloves, and ridding gloves” for 50c to $4.00, and “Silk Shirts in a collection that would be hard to beat in the largest city, and the prices would be a great deal less.” For the children there were toys and clothes, “useful, ornamental, or foolish.” “The Boys’ Department is full of nice things to give”, from a “Cowboy or Indian suit at $1.50, to a wool sweater for $1.00".
, and, a “wonderful present” for the wife or mother, a brand new “Western Electric Iron” for $6.00.”
On the square, another charter member Ray Daniels, manager of the Perkins Brothers Department Store, advertised Men's Ready-To-Wear clothes for young men, $24.50 to $47.50, and Christmas Neckwear for 50c to $2.50.
Celebrating the "same Christmas", Jewish and Christian merchants, fierce competitors for the Christmas dollar in 1919, but in their Rotary service, they were strongly united.
We proudly celebrate our Rotary heritage of diversity in business and unity in service.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!