Employees-
Series
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Herbst Department Store photograph collection documents quite extensively the history of the department store from its beginning, through expansion, remodeling, and fires until near its closing in 1982. The Herbst family apparently was very conscientious in documenting the business through photography. The collection was first deposited at the Cass County Historical Society but transferred to the Institute. The collection has been arranged topically in one single alphabetical arrangement. A number of the topical categories, such as Buildings, Employees, Interior views, Sales, Teens and Window displays, have been further subdivided due to the large number of images.
Many of the photographs are 10" x 12" prints that document all aspects of the department store, its facilities and employees. Especially interesting are the early scenes showing fashions from the early 1900s and the selling war bonds during World War II. There are also various portraits of members of the Herbst family.
Many snapshots (both color and black & white) depict the special events the store sponsored for teens in the 1960s, such as Battle of Bands, Santa Party for underprivileged children, Simplicity style shows and photographs of its College Board and Teen Board.
Also photographed are store-sponsored events for the employees including Christmas and retirement
parties as well as groups and the department store’s S & B Club. Special promotions and parades are featured such as Santa by Plane, Santa Train, style shows, 75th celebration and several miscellaneous sale days. The February 2, 1946 photographs of the long line waiting for nylon hosiery recalls memories of the days of shortages during the war.
There is a rather extensive series of photographs of window displays in their store. They touch on a variety of topics and feature clothing and accessories for children and women, bridal, hosiery, hats, Spring and World War era.
The Slides series images date from the 1970s. The vast majority are of young women modeling a variety of clothes, likely being advertised and sold by Herbst. Almost all are taken out-of-doors in a variety of settings. There are only several of a young man modeling. The series also includes copy images of print advertising, older photographs and of the store exterior.
Dates
- 1890s-1979
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 1023 Photographic Prints (1023 photographic prints)
From the Collection: 313 Photographic Slides (313 slides)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Herbst Department Store. (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu