Paul Malarik III, of Hammond, shared with me an important reminder about Northwest Indiana’s contribution to retail history.
“Sears was originally Sears and Roebuck, and founder Alvah Curtis Roebuck began as a watchmaker in a Hammond jewelry store at age 22,” Malarik said.
Sears was on the mind of Malarik and so many others this week after the retail company’s announcement Monday that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will close another 142 stores this year.
Sears and Roebuck Co. remains one of the most fabled shopping names in merchandising history. The company headquarters are located in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Always an innovator, the store’s mail order catalog concept led to the creation of the first Christmas catalog in 1933, which became known as the “Sears Wishbook” and was a favorite part of childhood holiday memories for many, including myself.
Despite years of writing and researching Northwest Indiana claims to fame, I never realized the Sears and Roebuck local connection until Malarik’s knowledgeable nudge.
Minnesota businessman Richard Warren Sears started a mail order watch business in 1886, which is how he crossed paths with Alvah C. Roebuck, who was in the business of repairing watches. Though Roebuck was born in Lafayette, he made his way north, where he worked as a watch repairman in the Hammond jewelry store mentioned by Malarik. The men’s mutual shared interest in the watch industry brought them together at a Chicago function and the two agreed to unite to co-found Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1891.
Hammond Historical Society, which maintains the Hammond History Room at the Hammond Public Library, takes great pride reminding guests to its research space that the first mail order catalog printed by Sears and Roebuck Co. was printed by Conkey Publishing on Conkey Street in Hammond.
Roebuck parted ways with Sears after just a few years, allowing Sears to buy him out.
More Northwest Indiana history
Long before the Purdue University Northwest campus was launched in Westville in 1962, Purdue University used the historic Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St., Michigan City, as the satellite campus. From 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9, Barker Mansion is hosting “The Purdue Years Tour” for guests to find out some of the fascinating collegiate history associated with the property.
Called “the house that freight cars built,” the landmark home is the English manor that served as the headquarters of railroad industrialist John H. Barker.
The $60 million estate was completed in 1905, hailed as a local architectural wonder, boasting 38 rooms, seven fireplaces and 10 bathrooms. The Nov. 9 program will include a tour and explanation of how the space was used for the Purdue affiliation, as well as opportunity to view a display of photos from the Purdue days and hear from former students who recall their unique mansion learning experience during that time. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and youth. Registration is required by called 219-873-1520, ext. 5.
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