Gusky's Grand Opening Trade Card Pamphlet, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1885

This four-page trade card pamphlet commemorates Gusky's grand opening in 1885. Each page features a beautifully embossed and colored print of a rose. The first page displays "Gusky's Grand Opening 1885" along with a seasonal greeting. The third page features "Gusky's Greetings 1885" and a New Year's wish. The pamphlet measures 4 inches by 6 inches. The card shows some minor wear, with a small chip on one corner and slight wear to the cloth silk edge; otherwise, the pamphlet is complete and intact. [J.M. Gusky (1845-1886) purchased S. Cohen's mercantile establishment in 1882 and renamed it Gusky's, considered Pittsburgh's first department store. After his death from pneumonia, his wife owned the business, managed by the De Wolf brothers. By 1888, sales exceeded two million dollars. Esther Gusky founded the J. M. Gusky Orphanage and Home in 1890, in memory of her husband.]

Associated People/Businesses

• Gusky's (Firm)
• Gusky, J.M. / Cohen, S.

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Department stores
• Jewish merchants
• Advertising cards
• Advertising cards

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Volume 1, Page 4