Herrschners: Celebrating 110 Years
I began to craft at a very early age, and Herrschners catalogs were a staple in our home and many family members’ homes. The day I was hired was a dream-come-true, and we are honored to bring you the best in quality crafts with the same great service we have been providing since 1899. Please enjoy the short history story below. We would love to hear from you about how Herrschners has been a part of your lives as well.
Happy Crafting! Gloriann Doyle
Herrschners History -- According to company folklore, a young German immigrant named Frederick Herrschner founded Herrschners. At the end of the past century, it was common to see street vendors selling their wares from pushcarts on the streets of Chicago, including Frederick who sold sewing notions from his pushcart to many satisfied customers. They knew he sold quality items and came to depend on him.
At the same time, America’s mass exodus to the West was going through Chicago. Many of Frederick’s customers heeded the call to find land but found that the quality products they were accustomed to purchasing were no longer available in their new communities. They wrote to Frederick and asked if he could mail them the goods and notions they needed. This gave Frederick the idea that launched the company: He would develop a catalog and sell his merchandise to those who had no other outlet for the quality goods he provided.
The rest, as they say, is history—this catalog company has been in continuous operation for 110 years! Frederick operated the business from various locations in Chicago until his death in 1929. At that point, the business was sold and remained in Chicago until 1970. Stevens Point, Wisconsin, was a stopping point for many Chicago vacationers, one of whom was a former company owner. He was drawn by the quality of life and great work ethic of this central Wisconsin community, so the operation of the business was relocated here, where it continues to this day.
Historic Herrschners Covers
05/01/2009 3:13:00 PM
Comment: I grew up in Germany over there craft stores are just about at every corner. Then I moved to Ft. Drum, NY i was a bit at a loss.. not many craft stores there.. and the ones that were around didn't have a big variety. One of my Neighbors introduced me to Herrschners and wherever we moved the catalog went with me. Socks, afghans, mittens are still part of me. Now i live in Chicgao.. my father in law recently moved to Neshkoro, WI and a few month ago i had my first visit to Herrschners. ( my Mecca)... I brought my mother in law with me and i got her hooked on crocheting.. I spend hours going from isle to isle.. the fact that i can see and touch the yarns helps in making my selection in future orders. Keep up the good work and i hope Herrschners will be around for years to come.
Comment: hi there - my name is carol and i live in florida. we are doing a craft new to us called croniting or crochet on the double. we are looking for a hook that swivels - remember that the hook for crochet on the double has a hook on both ends. we need one that swivels. thank you..........
Comment: I have been a customer since the early 90s but didn't really appreciate your store until 2003 when I broke my back and had my needlework and crafts to pass the time doing something enjoyable and productive. I am still unable to work but still have your store to allow me things to do that are beautiful and useful. Thank you so much.
Comment: I have been a customer of yours since the early 90s but when I truely learned to appreciate your store was when I fell and broke my back and could no longer work. The needlework and crafts were such a help to make the hours that passed not only enjoyable but tolerable. I still am not able to work but still have your products as an outlet for enjoyment and productivity. Thank you so much. Annemarie
Comment: HELLO, MY NAME IS MELANIE AND I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER OF HERRSCHNERS SINCE THE EARLY 70'S.AT THAT TIME I HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND LET ME TELL YOU THIS ONE COULD NEVER MAKE ENOUGH MITTENS HATS OR SOCKS BECAUSE ONCE THE NEIGHBORS CHILDREN SAW THEM THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHRER TEIRE WAS SO THAT MENT MORE YARN AND KNITTING.I LOVE YOUR PRODUCTS, AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITN THEM OR ANY PROBLEMS IF I DID HAVE TO DO A RETURN.MY FRIEND GOT ME HOOKED ON THE BEADED CALENDARS AND I STILL DO THEM AS GIFTS.NOW I AM A GRANDMOTHER AND YEP YOU GUESSED, STILL DOING THE SOCKS, HATS AND MITTENS BUT NOW WE HAVE ADDED SO MANY MORE THINGS AND I LOVE IT. I HAVE TWO GROUPS ON THE INTERNET THAT I STARTED FOR CRAFTERS AND HAVE REFURED SEVERAL OF MY MEMBERS TO YOUR COMPANY FOR THEIR CRAFTING NEEDS.MANY OF THEM INCLUDING THE ONES IN CANADA HAVE BECOME REGULARS WITH YOU. THANK YOU VERRY MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU DO TO HELP US MAKE THE FAMILY TREASURES THAT WE DO.
MELANIE MOFFITT
Comment: Jackie,
Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful story. As you read above, many of my family members were and are still loyal customers of Herrschners. I recently was going through some of my grandmother's linens that she hand stitched and found packed with each item the instructions she used to stitch the item and most were from Herrschners. My grandmother passed away just short of a year from being 100, so you can imagine what my mother and I found.
Happy Crafting
Gloriann
Comment: Hi, My name is Jackie. My grandma was a loyal customer for many years before she passed away. The mantle has passed to me, and I have come to love and value Herrschners as much as she did. Your webpage is up constantly next to my email. Thank you for all that you do, and helping me do all that I want to!!! You are great!
Comment: Dear Jane,
Thank you for the kind words. I hope you enjoy shopping at Herrschners for many more years.
Happy Crafting
The Herrschners Craft Team
Comment: Hi My name is Jane and I live 45 miles from herrchners and I go to shop almost every Saturday.It has been my favorite craft store and I love their wharehouse sales. I feel very lucky to live so close to such a nice store. The salesclerks are very nice and helpful.
Jane