The story of Michael A. Marks, so named the "Dean of the Holyoke Merchants", continued well into the 20th century. When many were contemplating retirement or had retired, Mr. Marks continued his trade well beyond his contemporaries in the business world.
The banker and industrialist, C. Fayette Smith, had many suits produced over the years by M. A. Marks.
In 1914, the Merchant Tailors' Association of Holyoke advertised its seven members, encouraging customers to support the skill and craftsmanship of their labor.
In 1916, M. A. Marks and his son, Sidney W. Marks, formed the Shavit-Marks company to operate a clothing store in Springfield.
In August 1916, a moving sale was held at the shop at 337 High Street. M. A. Marks, Tailor, would be the second tenant to move into the Mills-Alderman building at 316 High Street. This was the new Peoples Savings Bank building.
The shop continued to produce custom-made suits and overcoats. The trend towards rentals started around 1925. Tuxedo rentals, along with accessories such as shirts, tails, and jewelry, were available for sale or rent for special occasions.
The business was enriched when Michael's son, Harry, became the third generation of the Marks family to enter the tailoring field in 1930.
In 1933, M. A. Marks and his wife, Cecelia (Wilson) Marks, celebrated their 50th anniversary. At the time, they maintained a residence at 195 Chestnut Street.
On July 3, 1947, M. A. Marks died at his 195 Chestnut Street residence at the age of 86. He had been a tailor for 69 years, ending his trade in September 1946 when he was struck with a heart attack. Although he was hospitalized for three weeks and generally confined to his home, he would often visit the 316 High Street shop until 2 weeks before his passing. He was considered the Dean of Holyoke Merchants for his longevity in business.
The M. A. Marks Tailor shop continued on with Harry Marks. During World War II, the number of suits rented or purchased for weddings was declining. Soldiers wore their military uniforms to their weddings.
In 1959, the tailor shop moved to 308 High Street, which coincidentally was the address of the Abraham Marks Tailor Shop from 1890 to 1892.
On August 18, 1975, Harry Marks died at age 74. The third-generation owner of the business would turn out to be its last for this well-respected family-run tailor shop that spanned almost a century.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
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