Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STEN, Arthur G.
STEN, Arthur G. Kristiania (Oslo), Norway, Sept. 22, 1880--Dubuque, IA, Mar. 19, 1954) The business value of displaying goods in store windows did not develop before the mid-19th century. Harry Gordon Selfridge, an employee of Chicago's Marshall Field Department Store, was considered the pioneer of using large window displays. As their ability to attract customers was recognized, more and more store windows were even lighted at night. (1)
"Window shopping" became a new and popular phrase.
Among the prime disciples of Selfridge was Arthur Sten, described in the 1910 census as a "window maker" for a local dry goods store. (2)