History of Bretts Department Store By Megan Vossen

History of Brett’s Department Store By: Megan Vossen and Nicole Jehorek Group #24

How Everything Got Started

George Everett Brett • Born in Strong, Maine in 1845 • Came to Winona, Minnesota at the age of 17 • Eventually transferred to Mankato in 1868 • Formed the corporation known as Geo. E. Brett, Inc. • The store name was George E. Brett Dry Goods • It was on the corner of Front and Jackson Streets • The name of Brett’s became well-known within a 100 mile radius of Mankato • Brett had the first delivery truck in town • Only store at that time, in Mankato, with an escalator • He sang tenor in the church choir at the Presbyterian Church. • He was a stockholder and served on the board of directors at the First National Bank

George Everett Brett continued • Newspaper clippings circa 1905 -1915 called the Brett family “one of Mankato’s patrician families. . . who are social and political leaders” • George Brett died suddenly in 1915 • James Edwin Brett, George’s son, took over management of the store and stayed until 1958 • Then Brett Taylor, James’ nephew took over until 1971 • Management passed through the Taylor family until it closed

Taylor Family Home in Mankato • 227 Lincoln Street • Now home to Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house

Businesses that have served the Mankato area for more than 100 years • • • Brett's Department Store (1858) First Bank (1868) Martin and Hoerr Jewelers (1870) Norwest Bank (1872) First Federal Savings and Loan (1881) Theodore Williams Insurance Company (1883) August Deike Transfer, Inc. (1886) Hilltop Florists (1886) Cheever and Asleson Architecture (1878)

Brett’s Department Store • In 1992 Brett's Department Store closed after 124 years in retail. George E. Brett established the Empire Store in 1868 on Front Street in Mankato.

Ideas for the Brett’s Building • Office Space • Condominiums • Technology Center • Retail Units • Apartments • Hotel

Gordon Awsumb (Awsumb & Associates) Idea: • The restoration of the historic Brett's Building is underway. Our aim is to make it the most appealing office space in town. • The building's classic features, large windows, high ceilings and rich architectural details, are being highlighted in the restoration work. However, Twenty-First Century electrical and mechanical systems and high-speed Internet access are also being installed. • The airy interior spaces and the central, highly visible downtown location across from the Midwest Wireless Civic Center will provide a distinctive setting for professionals and service businesses. • Adjacent parking is free and plentiful. • Plans call for occupancy to be available in the spring of 2003.

Pictures of Brett’s

Overview • George Everett Brett • Brett’s Department started Brett’s Dry Store closed it’s doors Goods, which later in 1992 after 124 years became Brett’s of service to the Department Store Mankato area • The Brett/Taylor family • New plans are being continued managing the created for the existing store after George building and what should be placed there passed away

THE END ANY QUESTIONS