Fashion Park, Inc. collection

Collection

Identifier: D.394

Staff Only

Biographical/Historical note

The manufacture of men's clothing in Rochester, NY was a booming industry in the 1860s, one of the most important industries of the city. Rochester had developed a national reputation as the leader in quality men's clothing and as one of the leading cities in quantity of production. Fashion Park, Inc., established by Herman Rosenberg (1842-1906), became well known for its production of high style young men's fashions.

Born in Germany, Herman Rosenberg came to America in 1860. He joined the Rochester clothing firm of Kolb Bros., founded by Michael and Jacob Kolb in 1868. After many realignments of partnerships, Rosenberg headed the firm of Rosenberg, Bühler & Blum from 1877 until 1884. At that time, Herman was joined by his brother Simon Rosenberg and Mitchell Aronson to form Rosenberg Bros. & Aronson. Aronson left the firm in 1901 and the name was changed to Rosenberg Bros. & Co.

The early 1900s brought about many changes in styling methods, and Rosenberg Bros. & Co. capitalized by promoting a line of young men's suits called "Fad Clothes." By this time, Herman's son J. Edward Rosenberg (1877-1963) had joined the firm and soon became a dominant figure in the expansion and prosperity of "Fad Clothes." The clothing line became so popular that a larger plant needed to be built. In 1913, the firm moved from St. Paul St., which had become the center of the Rochester clothing industry, to a park-like setting on Portland Ave., and the name of the firm was changed to Fashion Park.

In 1929 J. Edward Rosenberg, director of Fashion Park, Inc., turned over the management of the firm to his son J. Edward Rosenberg, Jr. (who later became known as Edward Ross). When J. Edward Rosenberg, Sr. died in 1963, the firm was sold to out of town interests but continued to manufacture under the Fashion Park label until it was sold to Daroff of Philadelphia. The Fashion Park, Inc. plant in Rochester was closed and torn down in 1970.

Scope and Contents note

This small collection is housed in one flat manuscript box containing seven folders. The contents consist of printed materials related to Herman Rosenberg, advertisements for the company, and a photograph of Kolb Bros.

Creator

Fashion Park, Inc. (Organization)
Rosenberg, Herman, 1842-1906 (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1864-circa 1913

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es)

Restrictions on Access

The Fashion Park, Inc. Collection is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Restrictions on Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

The collection is the gift of Edward Ross (J. Edward Rosenberg, Jr.), 1982 and other gifts and purchases.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Fashion Park, Inc. Collection, D.394, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester