There is a rich history behind the H. Freedlander Company. David Freedlander was Ann Freedlander Hunts great-grandfather. He came to America from East Prussia which was then part of Germany. He settled in Buffalo, New York, for several years and traveled long distances as a pack peddler. Wooster was part of his territory. He liked the area so much that he decided to move to the little town with his wife, Anna, his son Herman, and Hermans sister, Jennie. His first store, The Buffalo One Price Clothing House sold clothing for boys and men.
David died when he was a young man leaving my grandfather, Herman, his eldest child, to run the store and make it profitable. He had to support himself, six siblings and his mother. My grandfather knew a little about retailing, but not enough to succeed in business without additional education.
The one price policy that David insisted on in 1884 became a hallmark of Freedlanders. The little store expanded often throughout the years. The independent department store was family owned from 1884-1989 or a total of 105 years. Herman and his son, Harold, Anns father, worked hard at giving customers the very best personal service possible. They instilled this belief in all of their employees.
Although the business no longer exists, this Wooster institution is still fondly remembered by many. For this reason, Ann Freedlander Hunt, the fourth and last generation has written a memoir about this beloved and historical business.
Gone but not Forgotten, A Freedlander Legacy is about the history of the retail store that takes the reader behind the counter through the years as happy customers and former employees share their funny and touching memories. Her book will be published and available soon. For more information, please contact Ann at aandbhunt@gmail.com or 330-264-8288.
