Clinton IAGenWeb Project

Van Allen's and A. C. Root Agency

This is a full page ad about Van Allen's.

Since 1892 Van Allen's has played an important part in Clinton's progress

John D. Van Allen F. H. Van Allen

Back in 1892 and until 1912, John D. Van Allen first entered the clothingbusiness in this small Fifth Avenue store shown at the far left. Later thequarters were expanded to include the other two stores to the right.

....brief history of Van Allen's

The background and history of Van Allen's starts with John D. Van Allen and aone room store in 1892. The store, then known as Van Allen & Abbott,was in a building just west of the present structure. John D. Van Allenbought out his partner Abbott in 1893 and needing more space, moved into anotherroom adjoining to the east. In 1897 he added another room with a SecondStreet entrance.

In 1905, his son, F. H. Van Allen, became a member of the firm. It wasnow John D. Van Allen & Son, as it is today. In 1905, the firm openeda Second Street store which included a men's ready-to-wear section. Thiswas the first exclusive men's department in any Clinton dry goodsstore.

A new building was built and opened to the public in 1914. Thisbuilding still stands but, sadly, Van Allen's is gone.

The A. C. Root Agency:

While there isn't much info, there are several photos