Los Angeles
County
Biographies
FREDERICK
J. MULLEN
Among
the old established firms closely associated with the commercial growth and
progress of Los Angeles is that of Mullen & Bluett, headed by Frederick J.
Mullen, who has an aptitude for successful management. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September
16, 1875, a son of James and Sarah (Douglas) Mullen. The father was a native of Ireland and in
infancy was brought to America by his parents, who first settled in Albany, New
York. Soon afterward they traveled
westward to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he acquired a public school
education. For a number of years he was
associated with his brother, Andrew Mullen, in the wholesale woolen business at
Milwaukee under the style of Mullen Brothers & Company and later they
established their headquarters in Chicago.
On retiring from business James Mullen came to Los Angeles, making his
home here until his death in 1917, and his wife passed away in 1919.
Frederick
J. Mullen pursued his studies at Notre Dame, Indiana, and his initial
experience along commercial lines was acquired in the woolen establishment of
Mullen Brothers & Company. In 1905
he became connected with the firm of Mullen & Bluett and was its manager
from 1906 to 1921, formulating well devised plans which resulted in a marked
increase in the trade relations of the house.
Mr. Mullen retired in 1921 but was compelled to resume the management
when the business was reorganized and General Walter E. Story is now associated
with him in its conduct. Theirs is a
large mercantile enterprise, furnishing employment to one hundred people.
The
business was started in 1882 by W. C. Bluett, J. C. Daly and J. B.
Sullivan. Soon after his arrival in Los
Angeles in January, 1888, Andrew Mullen acquired the interest of Mr. Daly in
the firm of Bluett & Sullivan and the name was changed to Mullen &
Bluett. It was incorporated in 1890 as
the Mullen & Bluett Clothing Company, of which Andrew Mullen was president
until his death on the 4th of March, 1899. The following is an excerpt from the history
of the business which appeared in a local publication some years ago: “The two older men who conducted the business
for a great many years were conspicuous figures in the business and social life
of Los Angeles. Mr. Bluett brought with
him a habit contracted in Ireland. He
came in from his home to his business every morning and returned every evening
on horseback. He invariably rode a very
handsome saddle horse. Mr. Mullen was a
tall figure, bent somewhat when he arrived here by the accumulating years. They were both gentlemen of the old school
type, always most courteous in their dealings with the public and always most
considerate of every person in their employ.
Yet, in spite of this dignified mien and lacking as they were in all the
breeziness that characterizes the typical western American businessman, they
were just the same exceedingly American in all their sentiments and measured up
to high standards in every relation of life.”
The present president, Frederick J. Mullen, upholds the high standards
and the prestige of this pioneer firm, which has served the people of Los
Angeles for more than half a century.
For many years the store was at First and Spring
streets, but on March 10, 1910, the business was moved to the corner of Sixth
Street and Broadway, where it occupies the entire ground floor of the Story
Building. This is one of the oldest and
finest establishments of the kind in the city, carrying a complete line of
men’s clothing and furnishings and catering to a most desirable class of
patrons.
In
1900 Mr. Mullen was married in Chicago to Miss Eunice Phillips, who figures
prominently in the social life of Los Angeles.
Mr. Mullen enjoys his home, is devoted to his business, and manifests
his civic spirit as one of the progressive members of the Los Angeles Chamber
of Commerce. The Mullen residence is
situated at 2025 Layton Avenue in the city of Pasadena.
Transcribed
by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. IV, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 625-627,
Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V.
Gerald Iaquinta.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S LOS ANGELES
BIOGRAPHIES