Finding aid for the Coulter Dry Goods Company records
0008
USC Libraries Special Collections
1996 May 20
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Coulter Dry Goods Company records
Identifier/Call Number: 0008
Physical Description:
4 Linear Feet
6 boxes
Date: circa 1870s-1960s
Abstract: Family history of B. F. Coulter, photographs, business correspondence, clippings; photographs of window and counter displays.
The family business was founded in 1878 in Los Angeles and flourished until the 1960s.
Language of Material:
English
.
Historical note
B. F. Coulter was one of the earliest merchants in Los Angeles. The Coulter Dry Goods Company business dates from 1878 and
later was called Coulter's. Coulter was an ordained minister and founded the Broadway Christian Church. The business was continued
by B.F. Coulter's son-in-law, R. P. McReynolds, and his son, James McReynolds.
CLOTHING FOUR GENERATIONS
Adventures in Business
Vol. V October 31, 1947 No. 14
copyright 1947 by Adventures in Business
By Nichols Field Wilson
back to Coulter's Dry Goods Collection
Whether one is a spellbound tourist or a resident ordinarily indifferent to movieland glamour, a tour of the fashionable
Wilshire district of Los Angeles proves an electrifying experience.
Conspicuous among the smart shops is the splendid five-floor Coulter Dry Goods Co. at 5600 Wilshire Blvd. Let us leave
our sedan in the spacious park and stroll through the store's broad aisles between fascinating displays.
Would you suspect that this ultra-modern 144 x 176-foot emporium had its humble beginnings in a little 18 x 50 foot shop?
Truly, when B. F. Coulter first opened his simple shop in 1878 Los Angeles was just emerging from the Mexican pueblo chrysalis
and unfolding its wings as a brisk modern city.
Mr. Coulter started in the place in town suitable for store purposes. Since then the company has thrilled and clothed
four generations of Los Angeles womanhood --- maids, clerks, skilled operators, professional women, co-eds, debutantes, and
matrons. Coulter's ever has been a store where ladies of fashion and refinement could shop with ease and grace.
At all times Coulter's has led the mercantile development of Southern California --- ever since Mr. Coulter first opened
his doors with merchandise worth a thousand dollars on display.
Invariably Coulter's has supplied the best merchandise and adhered to its basic principles of TRUTH, HONESTY and FAIR
DEALING.
Constantly Coulter's has grown. Briefly, here are traced the movements and expansions:
1878. The first store (18 x 50 feet) is established at Temple and Spring Streets --- the present site of downtown Federal
and Postal buildings.
1879. Larger quarters (20 x 110 feet) are taken in the Baker Block, 332 N. Main St.
1885. Coulter's pioneers to Hollenbeck Hotel Block on Spring Street south of Second; a 60 x 140-foot store.
1892. The firm is incorporated with B. F. Coulter as president and his son Frank (who has been with the firm since 1878)
as vice president and general manager.
1898. The company leads city-expansion by moving into a 120-foot frontage on Broadway south of Third Street.
1906. The firm moves into its own three-floor building on Broadway between Second and Third.
1917. The company building takes four floors and occupies a quarter city block at Olive and Seventh Streets.
1928. The Golden Anniversary is celebrated.
1938. Coulter's moves to its present edifice in The Miracle Mile on fashionable Wilshire Boulevard.
Control of ownership and management has always been vested in the immediate family. The three presidents have been B.
F. Coulter, his widow (who was his second wife), and his son-in-law, R. P. McReynolds, M.D. The latter married Mr. Coulter's
only daughter, Frances--the child of his second marriage. Frank was a son by Mr. Coulter's first marriage.
Before coming West Mr. Coulter sold dry goods in Tennessee. His first western venture was a hardware store. Later he invested
in the Coulter Woolen Mills on Figueroa near Fifth (whose waterpowered machinery wove native wool into blankets to be distributed
coast to coast) and the Arrowhead Hot Springs Hotel Co. Coulter gave the Arrowhead region its name.
As an ordained minister, Mr. Coulter was founder, pastor, and chief benefactor of the Broadway Church of Christ. He also
established thirteen missions.
In spite of its seventy years, the Coulter Dry Goods Co. is not a store of yesterdays. It is a store of tomorrows. It
grows, expands,and serves the public with increasingly greater usefulness.
Scope and Content
This collection includes correspondence, clippings, photographs, family history regarding B. F. Coulter, and the history of
a family-owned enterprise (including family portraits, store window displays).
Conditions Governing Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
None.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Coulter Dry Goods Company records, Collection no. 0008, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Display of merchandise -- Archival resources
Retail trade -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archival resources
Stores, retail -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archival resources
Los Angeles (Calif.) -- Archival resources
Los Angeles (Calif.) -- History -- Archival resources
Clippings
Correspondence
Photographs
Realia
Coulter, B. F. (Benjamin F.) -- Archives
Coulter Dry Goods Company (Los Angeles, Calif.) -- Archives
Several business letters from various years. Mementos & Business souvenirs
Scope and Content
Frances Coulter, daughter of founder, appeared on all company checks around the turn of the century.
Box 1
Approx. 25-30 letters to John L. Cooke, Window Display Manager, Coulter's
1920-1935
Box 1
Social invitations, wedding, dinner, etc.
Box 1
Miscellaneous Correspondence
Box 1
Family Newspaper Clippings: all dates
Box 1
Magazine and Newspaper Clippings: Window Displays
Box 1
Broadway Christian Church
Box 1
Family History and Biography
Box 1
Photographs
Scope and Content
Coulter's Dept. Store-7th & Olive, 1926; Broadway between. 4th & 5th, circa 1900 ; Spring Street- looking North from 8th St.,
circa 1900 ; Main Street Post Office, 1892 ; North of Broadway from 3rd St. ;
2nd & Broadway- looking south at 2nd St. can see old City Hall on the left, circa 1890 ; Opening first electric railway line
in Los Angeles, 1886 ; Temple St. cable railway, circa 1885 ; Broadway Church decorated for Frances Coulter / R.R. Reynolds
wedding, 1908 ; North on Main from below 2nd St., 1884 ; Diamond Jubilee display picture, 1953 ; Southern Pacific Depot &
Spring St. Railway, circa 1880 ; Coulter's Dept. store window - display of Colorfast linings, 5/1/23 ; Coulter's Dept. store
window - display of Fall 1923 dresses; McCall's Pattern Dept. 4/24/23; Spring Opening 1923 (6 various images) ; Coulter's
Dept. store window - display of Fall 1923 dresses, hats, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items ; Men's cut silk neckties,
5/1/23 ; Men's cut silk bow ties, Fall 1923 (1 of 2) ; Nemo Corset Week 1924 ; Kenwood blankets, 1923, 1925, & 1930 (6 images)
; Omar Pearls, 1923 & 1928 (3 images) ; Notions dressmakers and supplies, 9/22/23 ; A mannequin with a white silk jacket and
dress, circa 1920 ; L.A. buildings-Coulter Dept. Store - former site ; L.A. buildings-Dept Stores- old Coulter Store (Broadway
between 2nd & 3rd) ; Holeproof Hosiery, 1925 to 1931 (16 images) ; Display of various roll of ribbons (1 of 2) ; Jantzen's
swimsuit collections, 1930 (1 of 2) ; Display of Due Sheer Hose 6/21/30 ; Display of crib and other baby accessories, circa
1930 ; Holeproof EXX: The new silk hose for men, circa 1930 ; Phoenix Sox: A style to meet the preference of every man, 5/12/30
; Arrow Trump Shirts, 1928 & 1930 (6 images) ; Arrow Aistone Shirts 1929 ; Ballroom dresses 1929 ; Sleeveless dresses, Fall
1929 ; Men's Grad underwear and shorts, June 1929 ; A picture of Col. Lindoergh on display, circa 1928 ; Luxite silk lingerie,
3/12/28 (1 of 2) ; Horse riding wear and accessories, 1928 (1 of 2) ; Grayco Gray's men collections, 1927 & 1928 (2 images)
; Diamond Jubilee Display Picture, 1953 of various dresses (13 images) ; Dresses with wool coats, circa 1920 ; Kayser's silk
gloves display, 5/16/19 ; Swimming suits "Knit to Fit", circa 1925 ; Various women and men eating on to of a haystack, circa
1900-1910 ; Senior class of Summer 1895 ; Various fall dresses, 1924 & 1930 (16 images) ; Silk gloves, circa 1925 ; Coulter's
linen section, 1927 (1 of 2) ; New colors in Holeproof Hosiery, 1927 ; Men and women standing in front of a train playing
various instruments ; Theodore Roosevelt & the Rough Riders, copyrighted 1901 ; A picture of John Edwards 1st U.S. Senator
1748-1837 ; Jewelry cases, perfume stands, and other women accessories inside Coulter's store
with Christmas decorations, Christmas 1949 (6 images) ; Purse cases and linen cases with white flower vases along side them
in Coulter's store, 1917 ; Glove and jewelry cases with white flower vases standing alongside and on them in Coulter's store,
1917 ; Cosmetics and lingerie cases inside Coulter's store, circa 1930 ; North of Fourth Street, first auto on the street,
1902 ; Elegant dresses and purses, circa 1930 ; Men shirts with neck ties, circa 1930 (1 of 2) ;
Clothing for the perfect getaway to Lake Arrowhead, June 1931 ; Swimming suits and other accessories for the summer, circa
1930 ; Various spring dress, 1926 to 1930 (7 images) ; Pajamas, circa 11/29/30 ; New robes, circa 1930 (1 of 2) ; Shouldaire
sun-suit, 1930 ;
Clothes and jackets for the cold winter, circa 1930 ; Dresses with mink coats and shawl, 1930 (1 of 2) ; Candy dept. inside
Coulter's store, 11/17/23; Fashion display featuring Butterfield quality fabrics, circa 1930 (1 of 2) ; Kayser's knit under
garments, circa 1930 ; Silk fabric, circa 1930 ; Dresses with laces, circa spring 1930 ; Cameron shirts for men, circa 1930
; Dresses with matching gloves and purses, circa fall 1923 (1 of 2) ; Diamond Jubilee display picture in 1953 of B.F. Dry
Goods Store located in Hollenbeck Block southwest corner of Spring and Second ; Diamond Jubilee display picture in 1953 of
B.F. Dry Goods Store located at the corner of Temple and Spring Streets ; Diamond Jubilee display picture in 1953 of Coulter
woolen mills at 439 S. Figueroa ; Diamond Jubilee display picture in 1953 with a mannequin in a sleeveless spring dress ;
Cotton printed patterns, 5/19/34 ; Balkan luggage, 8/3/33 ; Neckwear and lingerie, 1933 ; Coulter's desert wear, 1933 ; Desert
resorts wear, 1933 ; New spring modes, 1933 ; New printed silk crepes, 1933 ; Phoenix children's hosiery, 6/7/32 ; Arrow shirts,
May 1931 ; Father's Day- Ties Day, 6/21/31 ; Wedding dresses ; Cannon towel for the beach, 7/6/31 ; Queen Make everyday dresses,
circa 1925 ; Blankets, circa 1925 (1 of 2) ; Beach wear and accessories, circa 1925 ; Perfume display, circa 1925 ; Sports
apparel, circa 1925 ; Winter apparel with matching hats and gloves, 1945 (1 of 2) ; Various fabrics on display in Coulter's
store, circa 1925 ; Grayco Cravat's shirt and polka-dot ties for men, circa 1925 ; Paris garters and suspenders, circa 1925
; Grayco Cravat's soft collar shirts, circa 1925 ; McCall printed patterns, circa 1925 (1 of 2) ; Lingerie store, circa 1925
; Helena Rubenstein beauty preparation case, circa 1925 ; Children apparels and accessories store, circa 1925 ; Pequot sheets
and pillow cases, circa 1925 ; Rolls of various fabric patterns, circa 1925 ; Beacon's robing, 9/29/24 (2 images) ; Fall black
sleeveless dresses and hats, circa 1924 (1 of 3) ; Black and white dresses, shirts, hats, purses, and other accessories, 2/21/24
(1 of 2) ; Pictorial review, circa 1925 ; Bridesmaids dresses ; ; Spring opening-dresses, 2/21/24 (1 of 3) ; White spring
dresses, 2/21/24 ; Londie Blue's collections of women's dresses, 2/21/24 (1 of 3) ; A picture of a mannequin with a black
lacy dress sitting down on a marble bench ; Van Raalte's hosiery, circa 1925 ; Butterfield Quality fabrics, circa 1925 (2
images) ; Women with tailored dresses, circa 1925 (3 images) ; Fruit of the Loom shirts, Spring 1926 ; Various flowery spring
hats, 1926 (1 of 2) ; Contemporary prints, 3/4/31 ; Linen and lace cases in Coulter's store with flower vases on top of the
cases and along the side, 1917 ; Flowery fabric with a display of hats, circa 1925 ; A stack of self-addressed envelopes ;
Mink scarf and coats, 2/21/24 ; White lacy dresses with bows tied along the waist, 2/21/24 ; Two piece dresses with matching
handbags and hats, circa 1925 ; 2 piece black dresses with accessories, circa 1930 (1 of 2) ; Cool white dresses for the spring,
1927 (1 of 2) ; White sleeveless with sparkling embroideries, circa 1925 (1 of 2) ; New wool dresses, circa 1930 ; Hats with
flower embroideries and beads, 1926 ; A mannequin in a sleeveless dress with sparkling embroideries and a shawl, circa 1925
; A new collection of mink coats, spring 1927 ; Various ribbons of all sizes and fabrics, circa 1925 ; Fall opening dresses,
circa 1925 ; Dresses for all occasion, circa 1925 ; White flowery dresses that cuddle the body ; Spring apparel for the night
out, 1926 (4 images) ; Black sleeveless with matching jewelry, 1924 (1 of 2) ; Home of B.F. Coulter, 219 N. Grand Ave. Los
Angeles, CA (1 of 2) ; Children's dresses ; The interior of one of Coulter's store with employees standing by the display
cases ; Opening Coulters Dry Goods Store in Laughlin Building on Broadway ; The exterior of Coulters Dry Goods Store ; Fall
Opening 20th Anniversary 1878-1898 ; The employees of the Coulters Dry Goods Store (1 of 2) ; When Coulter was at 3rd and
Broadway (1 of 4) ; A side view of Coulter's Dry Goods Store with the display of fabrics ; Various linen collars ; Salute
to the 4th of July ; The interior of Coulter's store with employees standing around the fabric display cases ; The interior
of Coulter's store with employees standing in front of bins of fabrics ; The interior of Coulter's store with different fabric
patterns lying on top of the counters with employees standing behind them ; Rolls of fabrics lying on top of counters and
alongside the walls ; 20th Anniversary of the opening of Coulter's store ; The beads and fabric department inside Coulter's
store ; Various white fabric patterns lying on top of counters with bins of fabrics and boxes on each side of the store ;
The Homer Laughlin Building, with Coulter Dry Goods Company on the main floor, 315 South Broadway ; The interior of Coulter's
store with shelves of boxes contain various materials on each side of the store
Box 2
Memorial to B.F. Coulter from his employees
Scope and Content
6 parchment pages, bound in suede leather encased in cloth bound box, accompanied by two letters: one-from Mrs. A. Coulter
to employees Committee-two, from committee to Mrs. Coulter.
Box 2
Two program of dedication, Sunday March 20, 1927, Arlington Avenue Christian Church
1927 March 20
Box 2
Four address delivered at the funeral of B.F. Coulter L.A., CA
1911 October 9
Box 2
Fifteen sermon of B.F. Coulter, Broadway Christian Church
1909 January 3
Box 2
B.F. Coulter "Adventures in business", Oct. 31, 1947, vol. V no. 14
1947 October 31
Scope and Content
4 copies.
Box 2
Coulter Dry Goods Co. 50th Anniversary folders, 1878-1928, Oct. 22-Nov. 5
1878-1928
Scope and Content
13 copies
Box 2
Justice McReynolds dedication
Box 2
75th Anniversary folders
Scope and Content
11 copies.
Box 2
California Stylist magazine, May 1955 issue
1955 May
Box 2
The Holy Bible of John C. McReynolds and Ellen M. McReynolds
Box 2
The Pastor's Record for study, work, appointments, and choir
Box 2
Framed miniature of B.F. Coulter
Box 2
Directory of Christian Church in Los Angeles
Box 2
B.F. Coulter Dry Goods notebook
Box 2
Pocket-size New Testament and the Psalms
Box 2
Pocket-size New Testament
Box 2
Glass paper-weight, picture of B.F. Coulter
Box 2
Coulter's 75th Anniversary buttons
Scope and Content
3 buttons
Box 2
A picture of B.F. Coulter in platinums and carbons
Box 2
Red leather vest wallets
Scope and Content
Two wallets.
Box 3
B.F. Coulter's family album
Box 3
Frances C. Coulter (about 5 or 6 years old)
Box 4
City resolutions to Coulter's Dry Goods
Scope and Content
Two resolutions.
Box 4
Folio of Historical papers and old newspapers
Box 5, Box 6
Photographs
Scope and Content
In 1885 B.F. Coulter opened a 60 x 140 foot store in this building.
