Rudolph Kloepfer
1849-

The following article was provided by Nancy Cook, from a book on Culver, Indiana.

Rudolph C. R. Kloepfer, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, December 19, 1849, and came to America with his parents in June 1858. Lived at Michigan City, Ind., and at the age of 14 entered the Dry Goods business as cash boy, and was employed by one of the best firms of that city for 10 years. Immediately after severing his connection with this firm he started a Dry Goods store of his own, in a small way, taking in partnership with him a friend who had been employed with the same firm that he had been engaged with. At once their trade increased, so that in less than a year’s time their now small Dry Goods Store was the talk of the town, and their trade was wonderful. In 1896 he went to Plymouth, Ind., and at once commenced a branch business, which was also a success until 1883, when through mismanagement of the affairs in Michigan City, he was compelled to make an assignment and lost all that he had made in the world, but with the aid of friends was enabled to purchase back the Plymouth Store and at once commenced with vigor to be in the lead in the Dry Goods line, which today he enjoys to the fullest extent, as the New York Store today is the largest of the kind in Marshall County. In 1895, he moved the store to its present location. All goods that come into the store now are paid for spot cash, which puts the firm in a position to buy at the very lowest prices, anything they handle. This, together with the 25-year’s experience in the Dry Goods trade, is the key to Mr. Kloepfer’s success. He was also the first to inaugurate the 5 and 10c. Counter business which proved to be so popular in the early days, and which has now changed into the Bargain Basement, having been enlarged to such an extent that 5 and 10c goods alone are no longer an attraction. But the outcome of it is the Bargain Basement is the strongest Department in the New York Store of today. People all over the County know the name Kloepfer and regard it as the keynote to low prices, as he will under no circumstances allow any one to undersell him. It has always been Kloepfer'’ motto: "Quick Sales and Small Profits, Good Measure and Weight and Courteous Treatment to the Public." This, coupled with a good, faithful set of clerks, has been another factor to the firm'’ great success. Mr. Kloepfer says he intends to stand by his mottoes and convictions as long as he will stay in the mercantile business. The name of Kloepfer shall always remain, "Good and Low Prices."

Kloepfer’s New York Department Store,

The most popular trading place in Marshall County. They handle everything in the Dry Good’s, line such as ---

Dress Goods, Silks, Velvets, Trimmings, Linings, Prints, Ginghams, Bleached and Unbleached Muslins, Canton Flannels, Denhim Shirtings, Linens, Napkins, Towels, etc.; Flannels, Blankets, Muslin Underwear, Hosiery, and Notions, all on the first floor. In the Basement are:  Carpets, Mattings, Floor and Table Oilcloths, Lace and Chenile Curtains, Window Shades, Shawls, Cloaks, and Suits, and last but not least, the most popular Bargain Basement, in which they sell at lower prices than anyone else, such as Glassware, Stationery, Jewelry, Fancy Goods, and small Notions, Sewing Machine Needles, Toys, Picture Books, Games, Et., Etc.

Once a customer at the New York Store means a permanent customer always. When in Plymouth be sure to investigate the truth of this ad.

Kloepfer’s New York Department Store

Return to Klöpfer, Kloepfer and Kleopfer