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Schwabacher Brothers Arrive in Walla Walla
Sigmund Schwabacher was one of three brothers who helped establish first mercantile business in Walla Walla and later in Seattle, WA. Sig visits Walla Walla this summer to tell the wonderful story of his family and their life in Walla Walla. Sig is portrayed by Whitman College professor, Steve Rubin. The three Schwabacher brothers, Louis, Abraham, and Sigmund joined the thousands of emigrants who left Europe during the 19th century. Born in Germany of Jewish heritage, the young men fled to America to escape the oppression under the rule of Bismarck, prime minister of Prussia, who was known to be a violent anti-Semite. Enlisting the help of his mother’s brother, Isaac Bloch of San Francisco, Louis Schwabacher was the first to come to America. Settling in the south where he engaged in business, Louis finally settled in Mississippi. In 1858 he went to California, remaining in San Francisco until deciding to make an inspection trip to the 6-year-old Washington Territory in 1859. During this period, he sent to Germany for his brothers to join him. They soon “found themselves among Indians, soldiers, settlers, miners and Chinese who ran stores and grew crops for the mines.” On 1 Sep 1860 the three opened their mercantile store near the northeast corner of Third and Main Streets in Walla Walla. Their business flourished, and by 1862 they had outgrown their first building. In 1876, they erected a two-story brick building there which was described in newspapers of the day as “the finest building north of San Francisco, its front resplendent with massive iron columns and arches; its seven entrances each with double doors, the outer ones being iron, the inner cedar…The interior was 16 feet high, painted white. Its six iron pillars were painted and gilded. In the northwest corner, there was a glass space of 12x16 elevated with a fireplace where Mr. Sigmund Schwabacher could observe and direct the activities.” [Note: a stylized replica of the store’s interior is displayed in the new Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. The Schwabachers became an important part of the town’s business community. On 18 Mar, the First National Bank of Walla Walla was chartered, thus becoming the oldest national bank in the state until its sale to Seattle-First National Bank in 1947. Sigmund Schwabacher was a director of the pioneer institution, and its president, Levi Ankeny, became a United States senator for Washington in 1903. Living History performances begin at 2:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to question Mr. Schwabacher about his life and times and visit the Schwabacher Brothers Store display in Exhibit Hall 1. The Museum is located in |
preserving and sharing Walla Walla regional heritage |
755 Myra Road - Walla Walla, WA 99362 - (509) 525-7703
Fax: (509) 525-7798 - Email: info@fortwallawallamuseum.org
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