History Sunday celebrates all the best at Edelstein’s

If you are a woman getting married these days, there are a variety of big box stores where you can register for wedding gifts. But before the days of self-serve kiosks, a young woman from Superior about to be married, would register where?

Why Edelstein’s, of course, which carried all the best china and crystal, and “absolutely gorgeous” gift items, according to Pauline Kukull, who will present “Remembering Edelstein’s Gifts on Tower Avenue” for the February History Sunday.

Pauline worked with owner Lillian Edelstein for 21 years. Lillian Edelstein was a true businesswoman, but very kind to people, says Pauline.

Customer service was always important at Edelstein’s. When staff would learn a china pattern was about to go out of stock, they would telephone former customers to let them know in case she wanted to order more. When a customer was unable to come to the store, the staff sometimes took a group of potential gifts to her home so she could select an item for purchase. Store charge accounts and layaways were extended in a time when women were often not given financial credit.

For History Sunday, Pauline will set up a display table with items from the store. “Edelstein’s,” which continues the 2012-2013 theme of featuring Tower Avenue businesses, begins at 2 p.m., Sunday at the DCHS building, 1101 John Ave. Admission is $3 and members are free. Refreshments and conversation follow the program.

The History Sunday series in 2013-2014 resumes the theme of Tower Avenue as DCHS’ downtown exhibit is expanded with the help of another grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council. To help DCHS with that project we are asking the community for full-length photos of iconic downtown business people, such as Henry Cohen and Harvey Buchanan. If you have photos or know someone else who does, please contact us.

Our 2013 History Theatre season opens April 19, 20 and 21 with another original play entitled, “The Big Dig.”

If you are interested in auditioning for the play or would like to work backstage, stop by or give us a call. Tickets for the show go on sale in March. The History Theatre will also be setting up a playwriters’ group, where new and experienced playwrights can meet to discuss their play ideas and works. An initial organizational meeting is set for 2 p.m. April 28 at DCHS. In fact, anyone who is interested in becoming involved with our event and program activities is welcome to join any of our committees, such as Events, History Theatre, Marketing and Exhibit committees. Involvement can be in the areas of planning, executing or hosting — or in all of these areas. Stop in or call if you’re interested.

The Douglas County Historical Society is located at 1101 John Ave. To contact us, email dchs@douglashistory.org or call at 715-392-8449.

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