Businessman Jacob Albert’s contributions

After immigrating to the United States from Lithuania in 1891, Jacob and Annie Albert arrived in Marin a few years later as almost penniless 21-year-olds with an infant son, Harry. Initially, they settled in Tocaloma, where Jacob Albert began peddling household goods from a pack on his back to the milkers and dairy ranchers of West Marin. To serve his customers better, he learned Portuguese and Italian.

Albert began selling his wares in San Rafael from a horse and cart, and, in 1895, he set up a dry goods store in a rented space on the corner of Fourth and B streets in San Rafael. He named the store The Wonder, and he and his family lived above the store. As his business grew, so did his family with the birth of daughters Bertha and Alice, born in 1894 and 1898, respectively.

Advertised as “the people’s store,” The Wonder moved across the street to a larger space on the northeast corner of Fourth and B streets in San Rafael. By the early 1900s, Albert owned the largest dry goods store and was referred to as the “merchant prince.”

Despite years of economic hardships in the 1930s and many shortages during World War II, Albert continued with his ventures, which operated under Alberts, Inc. In 1930, he built the city’s first high-rise, the Albert Building, complete with an elevator. In 1942, the flagship store opened on Fourth and Court streets in San Rafael. An Oct. 15, 1942, San Anselmo Herald article headline read, “Albert’s new modern store opens.” It had three floors and 48 departments. On the main floor was a friendship fountain with a plaque that read: “In tribute to Jacob and Annie Albert, founders of Alberts, Inc. This fountain is dedicated as a token of esteem for friendship shown their employees and associates.”

By this time, Albert operated stores in San Rafael, San Anselmo, Mill Valley, Richmond and Napa. The businesses were a family operation staffed by the couple and their three children. Albert’s son, Harry, said his father was “never standing still but marching forward every year.”

Albert felt that his advantages and profits were from the community, so it was only fitting that he gave back to the community. He donated the half-million-dollar El Camino Theatre, considering it “a gift to the people of San Rafael.” In 1937, he also donated the land for what would become Albert Park. Crowds gathered at the field July 16, 1940, for a grand celebration honoring Albert and his civic accomplishments. In addition, in 1943, he donated the site for the Boy Scout Hall, at Second and A streets in San Rafael, and contributed $20,000 toward the construction costs for the building, so youth had a place to meet.

Considered one of Marin’s most progressive businessmen, he was honored for his community service by a gold badge for life membership in the Rotary Club of San Rafael. In addition, in 1937, he was “encouraged” to run for a seat on the San Rafael City Council and was said to be surprised that he received a majority of the votes.

Despite all his success, he was committed to his family. He was said to credit his wife, Annie, with his success due to her “loyal help and understanding.” And, as a tribute to their father’s integrity, hard work and community leadership, Alice, Bertha and Harry Albert continued in the same respectful manner — carrying on this special love of family and community.

History Watch is written by Lane Dooling, marketing and social media coordinator at the Marin History Museum, marinhistory.org. Images included in History Watch are available for purchase by calling 415-382-1182 or by email at info@marinhistory.org