STAMPFER'S DEPARTMENT STORE

Stampfer's Department Store enjoyed decades of popularity. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

STAMPFER'S DEPARTMENT STORE. Once one of Dubuque's highest-class stores. Founded by Joseph Frederick STAMPFER, the department store was the successor of a dry goods store known as Kees and Sullivan. In 1855 Stampfer bought out Kees' interest in the company.

The firm of Sullivan and Stampfer continued in operation until 1901 when Stampfer bought his partner's share. In 1908 the firm was incorporated as the J. F. Stampfer Company. The location was 800-47 Main.

Birthday greeting letter to an employee. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

This 5" x 7" Christmas booklet was given out at the store during the 1940s. Published by Parent's Magazine, it contained a variety of stories and activities with a certificate worth $1.00 off a subscription to either Humpty Dumpty's magazine or Children's Digest.

In its brightest years, Stampfer's operated with little concern for competition. A brisk business was carried on in clothing despite its being priced several times higher than in other stores. Customers bought Stampfer's merchandise rather than travel to high-priced stores in Chicago. Furs were sold in a department called the French Room.

Paper bag indicating the purchase of the department store. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Dubuque's oldest department store was sold in July 1962 to the Johnson Hill's chain from Wisconsin. The purchase of the Dubuque store was the first venture of Johnson Hill's outside of Wisconsin where it owned and operated nine stores. Six months before the purchase of Stampfer's, Johnson Hill's had acquired Nasco, Inc., the leading distributor and manufacturer of agricultural supplies and teaching aids for vocational and home economics teachers. With the acquisition of Stampfer's, the sales of Johnson Hill's on an annual basis was expected to exceed $13 million. (1) For a time, the once top-of-the-line store operated as a discount operation giving out green stamps.

In 1979 the building was sold to Tom and Mary Graham who announced their intention to rebuild the store's past greatness. In August 1981, citing a delay of Highway 561 and high interest rates, the Grahams declared the business would not reopen.

In 1991 the Stampfer building known by then as the SECURITY BUILDING was renovated into office space. It became the headquarters of COTTINGHAM AND BUTLER, INC.

1935 Letterhead. Photo courtesy:Cathy's Treasurers,156 Main, Dubuque

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Stampfer announcement of "Feather Party" for employees ("boosters)." Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

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Source:

1. "Johnson Hill's of Wisconsin Buys Stampfer's in Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, July 26, 1962, p. 1

175 Years, Volume 3, "Razzle Dazzle," Telegraph Herald, September 15, 2008