Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Stern Family Papers
- Dates:
- 1879-1968
- Creators:
- Stern, Marcus Stern, Frederick M. Stern, Harold K. Stern, Howard M. Stern Fred M. Stern Stern's Leather Goods
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 2 linear feet (4 boxes)
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Stern Family Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The papers are divided into three series. The first series relates to the Stern saddle and leather goods business, established by Marcus Stern in San Jose in the late 19th century. It includes early sales catalogs, news clippings, photographs, and 1930s corporate records. The second series comprises a small number of family papers and photographs, particularly of Howard M. Stern, and Harold K. Stern. The last series of Pacific Neighbors Sister Cities program records was created by Howard M. Stern, who was elected president of the organization in July 1984.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Marcus Stern (1823-1905) was born in Frankfurt, Germany, where he apprenticed in the harness and leather trade. After immigrating to the United States in 1846, he ended up in Santa Clara, purchasing the stock of the Ellinghouse Saddlery in 1854 and opening his own business on Market Street. He returned to Germany in 1855 where he married Regina Oppenheimer; they eventually returned to San Jose where he re-started his business. Marcus Stern was one of the founding members of the Bickur Cholim Congregation (now Temple Emanu-El). The Stern family continued to operate the saddle and leather goods business, eventually phasing out saddles in favor of luggage. Fred Stern took over around 1886; followed by Harold K. Stern and Howard M. Stern. Howard was also involved in Republican Party political campaigns, as well as the San Jose Chamber of Commerce and San Jose's Pacific Neighbors/Sister Cities program.
- Acquisition information:
- Papers were donated to History San Jose in 2022 by a family member.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1879-1968
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The papers are open to the public for research by appointment.
- Terms of access:
-
Contact the Research Library & Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
- Preferred citation:
-
Stern Family Papers. History San Jose Research Library
- Location of this collection:
-
1661 Senter RoadSan Jose, CA 95112, US
- Contact:
- (408) 287-2290