I use to work for H&H. I found them to be one of the best men's stores in the country. But the economic crunch of the 80's sank this prestigeous business.
You're not gonna believe this, but I'm a guy living in western NC. I like vintage fedora hats and I just bought a beautiful Dobbs "Twenty" men's fedora in a thrift store here (for $6). It's beautiful hat. In trying to date it, I flipped out the sweatband and found a price tag....you guessed it: Hughes and Hatcher, $20. The hat was called the "Twenty" was because that was the price when it was sold in the late '40s. You can't get the amazing quality of felt like this anymore, and they don't make men's stores like this anymore either. Sad.
I found this after googling a business named on a WWI draft card that belonged to my grandfather's uncle. I think that my great grandfather was the Hatcher in this business! Does anyone have any more history of this business? It was a clothing store??
skiptheday at gmail . com if anyone sees this as had any suggestions on historical resources for looking into this further.
I was the punk ass white boy living over on Joy Rd and Greenfield in the late sixties wearing the best Hughes and Hatcher had to offer. Sad that my mom had to work all the time so I could look so fine. Mom would give me the card as she was comfortable with what I could buy there. Didn't appreciate this 'honor" till later in life, as I continue to seek out men's stores just like this Detroit great without much success!
My father worked for H&H for nearly 30 years. In the later years, (late 70's?) they went by Hughes, Hatcher and Sufferin(sp?). He worked at the downtown store, Northland and finally Birmingham. I can remember as a kid (late 50's early 60's) visiting the Northland store where they had a large cage of live monkeys on public display. I guess Northland was the first or largest "shopping center" of its kind in the country. He worked strict commission and sometimes it was the best of jobs while the next week you were bust- a hard way to make a living - but he loved it. I miss him.
I remember going there and they had the most awesome selection of ladies wool suits and wool dress coats even in plus sizes. Everything that I tried on,looked amazing and their sales lady knew just how to dress a person.
I found a Hughes Hatcher Suffrin clothes hanger in my closet. I am wondering if anyone is interested in it for sentimental reasons. I would like someone to have this antique if it means something to someone. I live in Alpena, MI. udellt@alpenaschools.com
Just found a Hughes & Hatcher tag on a Christian Dior silk tie at the Goodwill Outlet in Charleston, SC. Glad I found this thread about Hughes & Hatcher to clarify!
Anonymous..... I found this blog while researching my grandfather who was a 35 year employee of Suffrin then Hughes hatcher Suffrin. I would be very interested in your hanger if it's still available! Thanks! Kathylahaie@comcast.net
I am looking for photos of Hughes & Hatcher in the Northland Mall, as well as other Northland businesses. I am putting it into a collection but I would like originals, not something off the internet. Thank you - please send to jerrynaftalynorthland@gmail.com
I need a photo of the monkey cage at Hughes & Hatcher Store at Northland Mall in Southfield, MI. I would really appreciate any help anyone could give me. Help me locate the photo and you will receive an autograph book about Northland Mall. Please contact me at the writewing3@gmail.com
I worked for Hughes & Hatcher as a window dresser in their Display Department from 1977 until the gradual closing of the stores in 1982. The store fronts all had multiple window displays and changing the displays required a couple days work by a display crew. Two crews worked on a rotating schedule, taking care of all the Detroit metropolitan area stores and Ann Arbor. During the later years, the display warehouse/workshop & sign shop were located in the basement and upper floors of the Montcalm and Woodward store. Always an interesting job. Stores began to close and all their mannequins were shipped to the display warehouse. I remember being assigned the task of matching up all the arms and hands to their rightful owner's. It was a monumental task considering there were two rooms full of mannequins.
I had no idea this existed. My family owned Hughes & Hatcher. My dad was Max Pincus. Check out Will Leather in midtown Detroit. There's a wall with mention of H & H. The owner, Bill Adler's father was my dad and uncle's "right hand man" Harold Adler! Glad to know people still remember the stores.
As a young man growing up in Detroit, 1960s, I'd pass Hughes Hatchers everyday while walking from Cass Tech to downtown to catch the bus to the East Side. I always wanted to shop there but never had that kind of money. Then finally, just before joining the Air Force, I was able to purchase an Italian knit sweater from there. For years it was my prized possession in clothes. Hate to hear its been gone for so long. GWPorter
I most definitely remember Max Pincus. I also remember Lanie, who was director and buyer for the women's department when I started working there as a window dresser. She changed the direction of "Her Place" to fit the growing need of quality clothing for women in the work force. I loved my job at Hughes & Hatcher. Since I travelled from store to store, I had the opportunity to get to know some wonderful people who worked at each store. I have many fond memories and some lasting friendships to this day.
I worked for Hughes and Hatcher as a high school student co-op and later in 1962 in Accounts Payable. I paid the bills for stores in Montcalm street basement main offices. Mr Pincus was there on top floor office then and the buyers' offices were on top floors. I kept buyer's inventory books for a while. B. Bristow
I certainly remember your father Max Pincus. I started working in the display department in 1977. I was responsible for the women's department window displays for the west side stores. At that time Laney Pincus was instrumental in changing the direction of the women's department. The focus was on providing quality and stylish business attire for the influx of women entering the work force. It was an exciting time to work in that department. I enjoyed travelling from store to store and getting to know people who worked at each one. From tailors to managers. There were a lot of good people who worked for Hughes and Hathcher. I have some great memories.
I have a Hughes & Hatcher leather jacket that I bought in Grand Rapids, MI in the late 60's or early 70's and I'm wondering what it is worth now. It is in mint condition.
My 83 year old neighbor just passed away. I am helping to pack up his clothes etc. He has a H&H sweater with pearl type looking buttons. When I saw it I KNEW it was Quality. Yes SO SAD things aren't made like that anymore
My 83 year old neighbor passed away. I am helping his family by packing up his clothes etc. I came across a beautiful sweater with pearl like buttons. I looked at the label and knew I had to google the name Hughes Hatcher Suffrin. The quality of this sweater is Amazing. ��
Guess what? I was going through a bag of ties my Aunt had given my husband when my Uncle had passed...sure enough I found a Hughes & Hatcher pure imported silk neck tie. Unfortunately, my aunt has since passed and I cannot get any history on the tie.Its in very good condition so I'll keep and put it in a shadow box in remeberance of my uncle and a time gone buy.After all he was I must say a savvy dresser.
I worked at Hughes & Hatcher for the Holidays at the Eastland store in the mid 1970's. It was my first job. The commissions were great. Other employees were waiting for customers to come to them. I approached customers and it paid off. Occasionally, I worked in the men's area. I would sell a shirt and pants, then sell the customer a tie and even socks to complete the attire. I would have loved to have stayed on after the holidays. They had to let me go after the holidays when they learned I was only 15. Proof of age wasn't like it is today.
I remember the Hughes and Hatcher store on Wood St. in downtown Pittsburgh. I bought a couple of lambswool sweaters that were on sale after Christmas when I was still in high school. It was really great store, sadly most of these kind of stores no longer exist.
My Father Wm. H (Bill) Farnum 1911-1986 worked 1956-59 at Hughes & Hatcher for Mr. Max Pincus after he left Sims menswear Eastgate Shopping Center. In his later years he said Mr. Pincus was one of the best persons he had worked for. My mom worked at Kay's Kitchen on Gratiot in E-Detroit. Just some added history. I still have some hanger's from my father and a suit Botany 500 with the H&H Label. As a child that store was amazing!
Gary Farnum Midland, TX garyallen1048@mygrande.net
Just bought a HH BOWLER hat looks brand new off eBay gave 45.00 well worth that even if it cost way less when sold I’m a fedora guy Stetson, Dobb’s, & now a Romelli HH NICE HAT FOR SUNDAYS.
I was salesman for Male Slacks and Jeans H&H was my biggest account. I was very close to the General Merchandise Manager AirVisual Frank and was a pallbearer at his funeral. It was a great store with great people. Danny Saunders was the buyer I dealt with most but I became friends with everyone that worked there. I was saddened when it closed.
While at a thrift shop, I spotted an old wooden suit hanger in a bin marked "all items 25¢". I was excited to see it was a Hughes & Hatcher hanger! I used to work for Hughes & Hatcher, plus I happen to like using wooden hangers... the more vintage looking the better. When I went to the cashier to check out, she grabbed my hanger and pretty much did a slam dunk into a bin next to the register with a bunch of hangers used at the store. She looked at me like I was a little crazy when I panicked and said I was actually going to purchase it. Maybe a little crazy, but happy with my H&H treasure.
My grandmother worked at Hughes & Hatcher in the 1970's as a part time job. I vaguely remember it being located in a mall. She was in her 60's at the time. We would visit her and my grandfather every summer and I was only 8-12 years old at the time. I cannot believe I found this blog!! Does anyone remember her? Her name was Elizabeth Easton but she went by "Betty". She lived in Allen Park, Michigan. She passed away in March of 1984. I remember there was a sculptor in the mall that kids would climb all over. It's weird the things we remember. This was 40-45 years ago!! If anyone remembers her, please let me know! Thank you!
I inherited a Dobbs bowler hat that was purchased at one of the H & H stores in the post war era. For some reason I felt compelled to look up the store's history. I am so glad that I did. I am touched by all of the warm memories that folks have of the stores and the people who worked there. What a wonderful American institution! It's a testament to all family businesses and how they add texture and richness to our lives. From now on, I will remember that my gorgeous treasure was part of something truly great.
38 comments:
I use to work for H&H. I found them to be one of the best men's stores in the country. But the economic crunch of the 80's sank this prestigeous business.
wow
You're not gonna believe this, but I'm a guy living in western NC. I like vintage fedora hats and I just bought a beautiful Dobbs "Twenty" men's fedora in a thrift store here (for $6). It's beautiful hat. In trying to date it, I flipped out the sweatband and found a price tag....you guessed it: Hughes and Hatcher, $20. The hat was called the "Twenty" was because that was the price when it was sold in the late '40s. You can't get the amazing quality of felt like this anymore, and they don't make men's stores like this anymore either. Sad.
I found this after googling a business named on a WWI draft card that belonged to my grandfather's uncle. I think that my great grandfather was the Hatcher in this business! Does anyone have any more history of this business? It was a clothing store??
skiptheday at gmail . com if anyone sees this as had any suggestions on historical resources for looking into this further.
thanks!
I was the punk ass white boy living over on Joy Rd and Greenfield in the late sixties wearing the best Hughes and Hatcher had to offer. Sad that my mom had to work all the time so I could look so fine. Mom would give me the card as she was comfortable with what I could buy there. Didn't appreciate this 'honor" till later in life, as I continue to seek out men's stores just like this Detroit great without much success!
Thanks for your story, H &a H was a great store with bygone service.
My father worked for H&H for nearly 30 years. In the later years, (late 70's?) they went by Hughes, Hatcher and Sufferin(sp?).
He worked at the downtown store, Northland and finally Birmingham.
I can remember as a kid (late 50's early 60's) visiting the Northland store where they had a large cage of live monkeys on public display. I guess Northland was the first or largest "shopping center" of its kind in the country.
He worked strict commission and sometimes it was the best of jobs while the next week you were bust- a hard way to make a living - but he loved it. I miss him.
Remember Hughes Hatcher(Harry)- Suffrin?
I remember going there and they had the most awesome selection of ladies wool suits and wool dress coats even in plus sizes. Everything that I tried on,looked amazing and their sales lady knew just how to dress a person.
I found a Hughes Hatcher Suffrin clothes hanger in my closet. I am wondering if anyone is interested in it for sentimental reasons. I would like someone to have this antique if it means something to someone. I live in Alpena, MI. udellt@alpenaschools.com
Just found a Hughes & Hatcher tag on a Christian Dior silk tie at the Goodwill Outlet in Charleston, SC. Glad I found this thread about Hughes & Hatcher to clarify!
Anonymous.....
I found this blog while researching my grandfather who was a 35 year employee of Suffrin then Hughes hatcher Suffrin. I would be very interested in your hanger if it's still available! Thanks! Kathylahaie@comcast.net
I am looking for photos of Hughes
& Hatcher in the Northland Mall, as well as other Northland businesses. I am putting it into a collection but I would like originals, not something off the internet. Thank you - please send to jerrynaftalynorthland@gmail.com
My cousin worked there for years in sales and as a manager RIP Ron Toriano
I have been fortunate to find some very nice vintage suits on eBay and some of the suits have labels in them with the name Harry Suffrin, Detroit
Does anyone have any pictures from Northland of monkey house
in basement of Hughes & Hatcher from the fifties and sixties?
I need a photo of the monkey cage at Hughes & Hatcher Store at Northland Mall in Southfield, MI. I would really appreciate any help anyone could give me. Help me locate the photo and you will receive an autograph book about Northland Mall. Please contact me at the writewing3@gmail.com
I worked for Hughes & Hatcher as a window dresser in their Display Department from 1977 until the gradual closing of the stores in 1982. The store fronts all had multiple window displays and changing the displays required a couple days work by a display crew. Two crews worked on a rotating schedule, taking care of all the Detroit metropolitan area stores and Ann Arbor. During the later years, the display warehouse/workshop & sign shop were located in the basement and upper floors of the Montcalm and Woodward store. Always an interesting job. Stores began to close and all their mannequins were shipped to the display warehouse. I remember being assigned the task of matching up all the arms and hands to their rightful owner's. It was a monumental task considering there were two rooms full of mannequins.
I had no idea this existed. My family owned Hughes & Hatcher. My dad was Max Pincus. Check out Will Leather in midtown Detroit. There's a wall with mention of H & H. The owner, Bill Adler's father was my dad and uncle's "right hand man" Harold Adler! Glad to know people still remember the stores.
As a young man growing up in Detroit, 1960s, I'd pass Hughes Hatchers everyday while walking from Cass Tech to downtown to catch the bus to the East Side. I always wanted to shop there but never had that kind of money. Then finally, just before joining the Air Force, I was able to purchase an Italian knit sweater from there. For years it was my prized possession in clothes. Hate to hear its been gone for so long. GWPorter
I most definitely remember Max Pincus. I also remember Lanie, who was director and buyer for the women's department when I started working there as a window dresser. She changed the direction of "Her Place" to fit the growing need of quality clothing for women in the work force. I loved my job at Hughes & Hatcher. Since I travelled from store to store, I had the opportunity to get to know some wonderful people who worked at each store. I have many fond memories and some lasting friendships to this day.
I work at a non-profit in western N.C. And was googling this after a Hughes & Haycher alpacuna coat was donated to us in life winter coat drive.
I worked for Hughes and Hatcher as a high school student co-op and later in 1962 in Accounts Payable. I paid the bills for stores in Montcalm street basement main offices. Mr Pincus was there on top floor office then and the buyers' offices were on top floors. I kept buyer's inventory books for a while. B. Bristow
I certainly remember your father Max Pincus. I started working in the display department in 1977. I was responsible for the women's department window displays for the west side stores. At that time Laney Pincus was instrumental in changing the direction of the women's department. The focus was on providing quality and stylish business attire for the influx of women entering the work force. It was an exciting time to work in that department. I enjoyed travelling from store to store and getting to know people who worked at each one. From tailors to managers. There were a lot of good people who worked for Hughes and Hathcher. I have some great memories.
I have a Hughes & Hatcher leather jacket that I bought in Grand Rapids, MI in the late 60's or early 70's and I'm wondering what it is worth now. It is in mint condition.
My 83 year old neighbor just passed away. I am helping to pack up his clothes etc. He has a H&H sweater with pearl type looking buttons. When I saw it I KNEW it was Quality. Yes SO SAD things aren't made like that anymore
My 83 year old neighbor passed away. I am helping his family by packing up his clothes etc. I came across a beautiful sweater with pearl like buttons. I looked at the label and knew I had to google the name Hughes Hatcher Suffrin. The quality of this sweater is Amazing. ��
If you are still looking for a Hughes hatchet Suffrin. I came across one at an auction this past weekend. You can
Guess what? I was going through a bag of ties my Aunt had given my husband when my Uncle had passed...sure enough I found a Hughes & Hatcher pure imported silk neck tie. Unfortunately, my aunt has since passed and I cannot get any history on the tie.Its in very good condition so I'll keep and put it in a shadow box in remeberance of my uncle and a time gone buy.After all he was I must say a savvy dresser.
I worked at Hughes & Hatcher for the Holidays at the Eastland store in the mid 1970's. It was my first job. The commissions were great. Other employees were waiting for customers to come to them. I approached customers and it paid off. Occasionally, I worked in the men's area. I would sell a shirt and pants, then sell the customer a tie and even socks to complete the attire. I would have loved to have stayed on after the holidays. They had to let me go after the holidays when they learned I was only 15. Proof of age wasn't like it is today.
Used to buy most of my clothes from Hughes-Hatcher-Suffrin in Mt. Clemens.
I remember the Hughes and Hatcher store on Wood St. in downtown Pittsburgh. I bought a couple of lambswool sweaters that were on sale after Christmas when I was still in high school. It was really great store, sadly most of these kind of stores no longer exist.
My Father Wm. H (Bill) Farnum 1911-1986 worked 1956-59 at Hughes & Hatcher for Mr. Max Pincus after he left Sims menswear Eastgate Shopping Center.
In his later years he said Mr. Pincus was one of the best persons he had worked for. My mom worked at Kay's Kitchen on Gratiot in E-Detroit.
Just some added history. I still have some hanger's from my father and a suit Botany 500 with the H&H Label. As a child that store was amazing!
Gary Farnum
Midland, TX
garyallen1048@mygrande.net
Just bought a HH BOWLER hat looks brand new off eBay gave 45.00 well worth that even if it cost way less when sold I’m a fedora guy Stetson, Dobb’s, & now a Romelli HH NICE HAT FOR SUNDAYS.
I was salesman for Male Slacks and Jeans H&H was my biggest account. I was very close to the General Merchandise Manager AirVisual Frank and was a pallbearer at his funeral. It was a great store with great people. Danny Saunders was the buyer I dealt with most but I became friends with everyone that worked there. I was saddened when it closed.
While at a thrift shop, I spotted an old wooden suit hanger in a bin marked "all items 25¢". I was excited to see it was a Hughes & Hatcher hanger! I used to work for Hughes & Hatcher, plus I happen to like using wooden hangers... the more vintage looking the better. When I went to the cashier to check out, she grabbed my hanger and pretty much did a slam dunk into a bin next to the register with a bunch of hangers used at the store. She looked at me like I was a little crazy when I panicked and said I was actually going to purchase it. Maybe a little crazy, but happy with my H&H treasure.
My grandmother worked at Hughes & Hatcher in the 1970's as a part time job. I vaguely remember it being located in a mall. She was in her 60's at the time. We would visit her and my grandfather every summer and I was only 8-12 years old at the time. I cannot believe I found this blog!! Does anyone remember her? Her name was Elizabeth Easton but she went by "Betty". She lived in Allen Park, Michigan. She passed away in March of 1984. I remember there was a sculptor in the mall that kids would climb all over. It's weird the things we remember. This was 40-45 years ago!! If anyone remembers her, please let me know! Thank you!
You can email me at corvetttekendra@me.com
I inherited a Dobbs bowler hat that was purchased at one of the H & H stores in the post war era. For some reason I felt compelled to look up the store's history. I am so glad that I did. I am touched by all of the warm memories that folks have of the stores and the people who worked there. What a wonderful American institution! It's a testament to all family businesses and how they add texture and richness to our lives. From now on, I will remember that my gorgeous treasure was part of something truly great.
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