From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50^th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"

"Mr. Henry Putz, one of the most successful and progressive merchants of Harlem, is a shoe man from the ground up.  He learned his trade in Germany and at one time was employed by a large factory where expert work was done.  Mr. Putz was born in Germany in 1868, and came to Harlem with his wife in 1892.  He then opened a shoe store at 56 Des Plaines Ave., where he was located until 1904.  Finding his quarters much too small, he built the present large and handsome store building at 166 Madison St., where he carries the largest stock and assortment of boots and shoes to be found anywhere outside of the City of Chicago.  In his custom department he receives many order from outside the boundaries of Harlem for special work.

"Mr. Putz was married at Wermelskirchen, Germany, to Miss Anna L. Blasberg in 1890.  Mrs. Putz in a very amiable, sociable and business-like woman, and assists her husband in the sales department.  They have two children, Elfriede and Ethel, who are at home with their parents."

Numerous sources were used in the compilation of these entries including but not limited to:

• Broadview Golden Jubilee -- 1914 to 1964, Articles by Val Koch, published by the Village of Broadview
• "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50^th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906", provided by Richard Vitton, President of the Historical Society of Forest Park.

Last Modified:  01/10/2003