Samuel Altshuler
Samuel Altshuler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 1956 (aged 91) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, mine proprietor, industrial entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1879–1950s |
| Known for | Apparel merchandising in Washington and California; mining ventures in California; founding Whatcom Fire Department; involvement in Bellingham National Guard unit |
Samuel Altshuler (September 16, 1864 – January 13, 1956) was a prominent merchant specializing in apparel, as well as a mine proprietor and industrial entrepreneur operating in both Washington and California. He managed clothing outlets in Whatcom, Washington (later known as Bellingham), and San Francisco, California, while also developing multiple commercial properties in these locations.
In Whatcom, Altshuler significantly contributed to the growth of industrial ventures and was instrumental in founding the city’s initial National Guard unit and fire department. He participated in key negotiations regarding the routing of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad through Bellingham. In California, he owned the Monitor (Plumas National) mine along with the Jackson Gold Mine and held the position of secretary for the Plumas Copper King Mines Corporation.
Altshuler was actively engaged with various business and fraternal organizations such as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Native Sons of the Golden West, and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Early life and family
Born in San Francisco on September 16, 1864, Samuel Altshuler was the son of Levi Altshuler, a German immigrant who journeyed westward during the 1852 gold rush. Levi initially worked as a miner before transitioning into merchandising and real estate investments, including land that eventually became the site of the Baldwin Hotel. Samuel’s mother, Henrietta Alpern, also of German descent, passed away in 1887. The couple raised six children in San Francisco: Samuel’s brothers included Cass, who collaborated with him in merchandising ventures, and Sol, a professional lithographer. They also had three sisters named Millie, Ida, and Annette.
Professional life in Whatcom, Washington
Following his high school graduation in 1879, Altshuler entered his father’s clothing business. In 1889, he moved to Whatcom (now Bellingham), Washington, where he purchased 120 acres roughly twelve miles outside the city limits. He developed a three-story structure at Holly and Canal Streets to establish his own clothing store, which expanded into a major commercial operation. Subsequently, he erected the two-story Irving building to support his business activities. Altshuler also invested broadly in industrial enterprises across the state to facilitate their growth.
He was pivotal in founding the Whatcom Fire Department and served five years as secretary of its board of fire delegates while acting as foreman for Hose Company No. 2 from 1892 to 1893.
In 1905, Altshuler was selected by the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce to join a committee investigating potential railroad connections between Bellingham and Spokane amid considerations by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for establishing a western terminus.
Business ventures in San Francisco
In 1906, Altshuler announced his intention to close his Bellingham store, Red Front Clothiers, and move operations to San Francisco. He acquired property on Van Ness Avenue where he began constructing a new retail space slated to open by July 1906. By 1909, he had invested approximately $250,000 (equivalent to about $6.6 million in 2020) into San Francisco real estate and planned further expansions to grow his merchandising enterprise.
Mining ventures in Greenville, California
Following his move to San Francisco, Altshuler possessed a cabin near Soda Creek in Greenville, California, which was eventually lost to a fire. In 1913, he held joint ownership of the Monitor (also known as Plumas National) mine, recognized as an important quartz deposit. Altshuler enhanced the mine's productivity by reopening approximately 900 feet of previously abandoned tunnels. By 1921, he had assumed the role of secretary for the Plumas Copper King Mines Corporation. Additionally, he maintained ownership of the Jackson Gold Mine until about 1950.
Affiliations
While residing in Bellingham, Washington, Altshuler was instrumental in establishing the National Guard unit (Company M) and was a lifelong member of Whatcom Lodge No. 151, F. & A. M. His memberships extended to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Native Sons of the Golden West, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Personal background and passing
On February 21, 1897, Altshuler wed Josephine Jacobs from San Francisco. She was related to notable local personalities, including her father Henry Jacobs, who served as a merchant and postmaster during President Lincoln’s administration, and her uncle Junius Jacobs, who was the U.S. sub-treasurer in San Francisco. The couple had two sons named Henry Irving and Samuel.
A committed Republican, Altshuler repeatedly declined offers to pursue political office. As a member of California Kamloops Inc., an association of fishermen convening annually at Shasta Lake, he earned the nickname "King of the Kamloopers" and participated in every gathering up to 1955. Altshuler passed away in San Francisco on January 13, 1956, at the age of 91.
See also
- Baldwin Hotel (San Francisco)
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows
- Native Sons of the Golden West
- Fraternal Order of Eagles