Biographies
BERNARD FROMMER
In our commerce and industries,
from the railroad builder to the bank president, our foreign-born citizens have
shown excellent qualities, and this is especially true of the natives of
Austria. Bernard Frommer was born in Kra Kow, Austria, and landed in
New York City in 1884, coming to San Francisco from there in 1888, and was for
several years thereafter employed along mercantile lines. He came to Sacramento
in 1895 and in that year and in 1896 was employed as salesman in one of the
stores of that city. Then he opened a small furnishing store for men on K street and two years later opened his present clothing store
at 301-303 K street, in a fine business building of which he is now the owner.
As a progressive merchant and man of commercial achievement he has made a
record that might well be envied by any business man in California. His
beginning was comparatively small and represented very little capital, but by
close application to business and by his splendid judgment and financing he has
been very successful and built up a large trade. He has amassed a comfortable
fortune, being the owner of much valuable real estate, one of his choice
holdings being at the corner of Eleventh and K streets. On this, in 1912, Mr. Frommer erected the Frommer
Building which is a credit to the city as well as himself.
It is a four story structure of Roman pressed brick with terra cotta finish,
and it is the concensus of opinion that it is the
most modern and up-to-date building in construction and architecture of any in
the city. He took a very active part in the building of the Hotel Sacramento,
of which he is a large stockholder. To some extent Mr. Frommer
may be said to have inherited his peculiar business ability from his father,
who was a successful merchant in Austria. He is a member of the Retail
Merchants Association of Sacramento and of the local Chamber of Commerce, is
identified with the Jewish Congregational church and is active in various
charitable societies. As a businessman he is public-spirited and helpful to all
worthy interests. His parents died in Austria some years ago and he has a
sister living in the old family home. He has been successful in his real estate
as in his commercial ventures and those who know him best know that his success
has been honorably achieved. All in all, he is one of the notable upbuilders of Sacramento.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 941-942. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.