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Berkmans' Inc., one of Beaver Falls' leading mercantile establishments, traces its beginning to March 1892, when Bernard Berkman and his brother Simon since deceased, started in business at 1024 Seventh avenue.
They named the store "The Pittsburgh Clothing Store." It was located in the Strock building and catered to men and boys. Later Bernard Berkman purchased the interest in the business of his brother who went to Pittsburgh and entered the wholesale and jobbing business. Simon Berkman died in 1929.
In 1910 Bernard Berkman purchased the Hutchinson property at 1014-16 Seventh avenue, building the present two story brick building. His son Meyer Berkman entered the business, and women's ready to wear apparel was added.
Berkman's has been in business in the same square for 58 years and the store is the only one in the city in which the generation which founded it is still actively engaged in the business.
Eighty-five years of age, Bernard Berkman heads the incorporated business as president. His son is vice president and treasurer. The elder Mr. Berkman's keen interest in quality of merchandise has done much to build the store to its present personnel of 35 men and women, offering every service which can be obtained in a metropolitan establishment. The store has kept pace with the progress that has marked the entire area.