Salet's Department Store, Mankato, Minnesota. Collection, 1896-1973

Collection — Folder: 1

Identifier: SMHC Collection 0118

Staff Only

Abstract

The Salet collection contains photographs and newspaper clippings of Salet family members and the Salet's Department Store in Mankato, Minnesota. Besides photos and clippings, items included are advertisements, three drawings of the original store, and awards received by Salet family members from the Jewish Home for the Aged of the Northwest and the Mankato Exchange Club. This collection pertains exclusively to the Mankato branch of Salet stores.

Dates

1896-1973

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical / Historical

Leon Salet, the founder of Salet's Department Store, first engaged in selling goods in Mankato with a mobile shop marketing soft goods in 1896. He opened his first fixed-site department store in the 100 block of North Front Street. In 1914, Salet formed a partnership with his son Louis. By 1917, the Salet's purchased a larger store on the comer of Main and Front streets. Thereafter, the family opened department stores in New Ulm, South St. Paul, Winona, Owatonna, and Rochester. Leon Salet stayed with store until 1950. Louis Salet remained with the firm until his death in 1963. Following Louis's death, Richard Salet managed the store by himself. When the Mankato stores ceased operation in 1973, the Salets had aheady closed their other department stores.